A family-run business in Hereford has claimed a top industry award in its first year.

PGM & Son Pest Control was crowned Sole Trader of the Year at the British Pest Management Awards.

The business was founded just over a year ago by Phil Martin, and since then has gone from strength to strength.

It provides pest control for individuals and businesses, including pesticide-free and organic solutions, preventative and proofing works and more traditional methods.

Phil said: “As we are a local business and genuinely care about our community and the county.

“Residents recognise this by coming back to us and referring us to others.

“Importantly, we give customers our time - a rare commodity in this day and age.”

Alongside the company, Phil writes weekly blogs about pest control problems to help educate people about the industry and the poor practices within it, as well as supporting local businesses and charities.

The awards were organised by UK trade body, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

The award ceremony in London formed part of the BPCA’s biennial exhibition and conference PestEx, the UK’s pest management show.