IT was game on for a couple of independent retailers who scooped the top industry award for Reading on Saturday night.

Becky and Darrell Ottery, who own Eclectic Games in Market Place, were crowned Retailers of the Year at the fifth Reading Retail Awards.

To a standing ovation, they received excited applause as the couple picked up the gong from comedian Bobby Davro.

“We are amazed,” said Darrell.

“It’s validation from an external source of what we have already had from our customers,” said a shocked and stunned Becky.

The pair were among the many retailers and restaurant owners honoured at the awards ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel and presented by ITV Meridian presenter Sangeeta Bhabra.

“You know you do too much shopping when you recognise so many faces here,” Sangeeta told the audience.

Launched in March with the Midweek’s sister title the Reading Chronicle, the awards are organised by theeventcrew.co.uk along with Broad Street Mall and The Oracle shopping centres.

The aim is to recognise and celebrate the retail industry within the town. Welcoming everyone to the evening on Saturday was Steve Belam, general manager of The Oracle, who said this year there had been more than 3,500 entries.

A shortlist of those put forward for the final was announced in the Chronicle in July, then judges picked winners who were awarded their prize at the glitzy black-tie dinner on Saturday.

Mr Belam praised retailers for the successful industry which had been built in Reading and said that was down to the customer service.

He said: “The judges had a very difficult time reaching these decisions. To all those nominated — be proud of the fact.” Mr Belam acknowledged traders in the room, adding: “You are the cream of retailing and restaurateurs in Reading, and you are all winners.”