A HAMPSHIRE department store is flying the flag for Britain’s independent lingerie retailers.

Bradbeers managing director Greg Davies and staff at the Bell Street-based store in Romsey say it’s an honour to be recognised nationally after winning a top award acknowledging the company’s lingerie department.

Bosses in the lingerie department were up against competition from stores across Britain and Ireland, including Harrods, but Bradbeers was crowned independent department lingerie retailer of the year in the Stars Best Shop Awards 2012.

The competition is staged by Underlines Magazine and the awards ceremony was held at London’s Cumberland Hotel.

Mr Davies said: “We are delighted to have won this award and to receive it proves we have a great variety of stock and expertise in the lingerie department. We had Harrods in our category.”