THE owners of a Crickhowell based family business say their success is down to the loyalty of their staff and customers.

Webbs of Crickhowell is celebrating after recently winning a 'Which? Local Business of the Year award for the whole of Wales.

This is first year the award has been introduced and is based on feedback from Which? magazine readers and specifically recognises customer service and satisfaction.

Peter Webb, who is the third generation of the family to work at the store, said, "We knew nothing about this award, this is the first year that it has been introduced by Which? and it helps local and small independent businesses get recognition."

Peter's father John Webb added, "It was purely from feedback of our customers.

"We are over the moon that our customers have supported us and very grateful for the loyalty of our staff. We are all like family."

The loyal staff John is so proud of includes people like David Price who has worked at Webbs for 25 years and was rewarded for his loyalty and hard work with a trip to London to attended the awards ceremony.

John, who began working for the family business at the age of 16 said that all Crickhowell businesses help support one another and are like a "big family."

The history Webbs business itself is long and illustrious, with the faces of the Webb family well known in Crickhowell and the surrounding area for many generations.

The firm was started by John's father Herbert who first established a paraffin round way back in 1936.

After a short break which saw Herbert serving during the war, the business resumed with the first shop opening at 11 High Street in 1948 before extending to next door to 12 and 13.

As the business went from strength to strength the family purchased the old Cambrian Arms and once again extended its premises.

Herbert's three sons were eventually to join him in the business - first was John in 1959, followed by Richard and then Michael.

Today, the third generation of the Webb family is actively involved with the business with Peter playing a vital role in the management team.

The Webb family is very much hands on and involved with the company on all levels from attending trade shows, unloading products at the shop, selling them and finally delivering them to the customer ensuring that anyone dealing with Webbs gets a truly personal service.

While Mr Webb senior confined his mobile paraffin round to the area around Crickhowell, today Webbs' customers come from much further afield, with deliveries made on a regular basis to homes in all parts of Wales, England and even Scotland, as well as to loyal local customers.

While remaining true to its reputation as a traditional family business Webbs also keeps one eye firmly placed on the future.

"We have to change with the times to survive," said John, showing the astute business sense which has kept the family business thriving for more than 70 years.

"Our values may be old fashioned but everything else is slick."

Webbs of Crickhowell offers everything for your home and garden and their success has led to the opening of a new bed showroom which is situated in a renovated 16th century granary on Standard Street.

A varied range of quality beds are available from Tempur as well as a selection of waterbeds and Vi-Spring beds and with prices from £199 to £15,000 there really something for everyone.

While its services are varied, the unique aspect of Webbs remains its firm family values - something that money really can't buy

As John says, "If you come to Webbs you speak to a Webb" and in today's chainstore market that's almost priceless.