GOING the extra mile is a comment made by more than one Free Press reader about the service provided by Williton-based Tony Brooke Carpets and Flooring.

And the company, which moved into bigger premises on the village's Roughmoor industrial estate last July, has certainly made its mark after winning our Business of the Year 2009 title.

Tony, who has been a carpet fitter since leaving school more than 25 years ago, opened his first flooring shop in Timberscombe in April 2008.

And the fact that less than two years later Free Press readers voted to give him the top accolade has delighted him: "I'm over the moon," he said.

"The success we have had is unbelievable and it's hard to believe that we started with just £60 in the bank.

"It's lovely to think that people have bothered to put pen to paper to show their support and we are so grateful to everyone who voted for us."

Friendly, efficient, reliable and providing a top class service were just some of the comments from readers but Tony is keen to point out that the business relies on teamwork - particularly the support of his wife Jo.

"We are a small family-run business. We may have expanded but we still offer the same personal touch," he said.

With Jo in charge of the paperwork, Tony takes control of the measuring and estimating, with employee Sam Thomas helping him with the fitting.

"I always think that if you treat people the way you would like to be treated, you can't go wrong," he said.

"We're a great team. "I'd like to say thank you to our loyal customers for their support - we're looking forward to another successful year."

Jo and Tony Brooke are pictured with Sam Thomas (second right) and Free Press sales representative Gerry Baxter.

Photo: Steve Guscott