A GENTLEMAN’S retailer has claimed an award for best menswear brand at an industry awards ceremony.

Peter Christian, based in Small Dole, near Steyning, fought off competition from high street big guns John Lewis, Boden and Charles Tyrwhitt to claim the prize, which was awarded by Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan.

The awards were organised by ECMOD, the trade body for direct mail and catalogue trade, and were held at the Hurlingham Club in West London.

Managing director Nicholas Alderton said: “Every high street used to boast a traditional gentleman’s outfitter. They were bastions of masculinity, smelling of tweed, leather and furniture polish.

“You were guaranteed excellent service and good advice based on years of experience. Shopping for clothing was a pleasure.

“The award means a lot to us and proves men do appreciate an outfitter with individuality and character.

“We have been careful to recruit only people with a love for traditional menswear and natural aptitude for customer service and it is great that the talent and hard work of my excellent team has been recognised.”