A WELL-known newsagents in Barnes has scooped a major industry award for the fifth time.

Natsons in Church Road, run by Vipin and Seema Patel, was voted Newsagent of the Year 2004 in England by the Retail Industry Awards.

Previous awards won by the popular shop are Dimbleby Newspapers' Newsagent of the Year in 1998, Asian Trader Association's Newsagent of the Year in 1999 and 2000 and the Booker Prize for Excellence in Retailing in 2000.

Natsons is one of the largest independent newsagents in south London and Mr Patel said on winning the award: "I am lost for words. I have achieved my goals in the retail industry and I am very proud.

"This is also due to the team work of the staff and it has been a good effort by everyone."

The visiting judge of the awards said: "This is a well thought out and attractive store which is a credit to Vipin and Seema. All customers seem to be treated as special."

Having recently invested £55,000 on the store and extended the sales area, the Patels now have a shop that easily matches the best multiple operators, the judges added.

They also found that not only are the business controls very good but the whole store is run very professionally.

Cllr Nicola Urquhart said: "The Patel family are public-spirited and caring in many ways apart from running a wonderful service."