THE Customer Service Award went to Elle Martin Hair Salon in Church Street.

Three of the HBID members were shortlisted by the judges for this award but the winner was then chosen by the public.

A public vote was held on the Hereford Times website asking people to vote for the business where they received the best customer service.

Elle Martin Hair Salon came first, with The Courtyard and Specsavers Hereford as runners-by.

During the awards ceremony, a video by The Rural Media Company was shown to the audience with each of the finalists talking about the importance of fantastic customer service to them.

Owner Elle Martin said: "I am absolutely chuffed. It was a wonderful category - they are all such fantastic contenders.

"It is a pleasure to be able to have the award and pop it up in the shop so all of my clients can see it - they support us so well."

Since opening at 38, Church Street in April 2016, Elle Martin Hair Salon has been dedicated to outstanding customer service. This is both its ethos and its trademark.

Considerable investment facilitated the creation of a French boutique-style hair salon with ornately carved white wooden mirrors and styling consoles, soft beige leatherette chairs, candelabra lighting, a spa zone for hair washing and head massage and a front window full of flowers.

Every attention to detail has been given to create a luxurious, relaxing environment for clients to enjoy a luxury and affordable hairdressing experience.

Elle said: "We are going to keep on with what we are doing. We all love what we do.

"We love to see our customers happy as they walk out of the salon door."

The Elle Martin Hair Salon Facebook page has more than 40 5* reviews to date.

There is now a waiting list of clients with all stylists booked up weeks or months ahead.

Elle said: "I love being in Church Street and in the Independent Quarter. Everyone is so lovely. We all support each other."

The award was given to Elle by Glen Martin, operations manager at Maylord Shopping Centre.