READING recently scooped the title of 'Town/City of the Year' at the Thames Valley Property Awards.

The awards showcased the region's very best properties, firms and people.

The Town/City of the Year award focuses on areas of the Thames Valley that are developing their offering for both employers and residents.

Previous winners have implemented successful town-centre strategies and have promoted their brand, attracting inward investment.

Reading was selected to win the category, which this year indicates a developed and improved environment, with better facilities for all.

Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director at Reading UK, said: "Absolutely delighted.

"Reading has had a great year with a lot of things happening and a lot of interest from the property world.

"We have worked hard in developing support for local businesses, especially in the central retail area and around the Abbey quarter and Forbury area.

"We are super excited about the Station Hill development, the area around Hosier Street and the former prison site.

"Our Vision 2050 strategy is all about delivering a city of green technology, rivers and parks, culture and diversity."

The sixth annual awards were sponsored by Blake Morgan, Boyes Turner, Campbell Gordon, Crowe, Gateley, Haslams, Hicks Baker, Leaders Romans, Jelf, McKay Securities, Morgan Lovell, PBA now part of Stantec, Regus, Savills, and SEGRO.