Family-run Shannon's Garden Centre in Forest Hill has scooped a Lewisham Business Award for excellent customer care.

The centre, who received the award from the Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock, has cultivated strong ties with the community with projects including planting at Forest Hill Station and teaching schoolchildren the value of growing plants.

Part-owner Linda Shannon said: "Receiving this award is great for us. We understand that good customer service is about bringing customers back. 

"To do this we try to send all our customers away happy enough to pass on positive feedback about our business to others who will try our services and products for themselves.

"When customers are happy they usually come back and we’re now at a point where most of our customers know our name and we know theirs."

Sir Steve Bullock added: "Shannon’s Garden Centre has been established in the borough for over 20 years and its loyal customer base speaks volumes about the quality service this family business provides.

"It has become recognised as part of the community and I’m proud to acknowledge its exemplary service with a Mayor of Lewisham Business Awards."