A SOUTHEND toy store - hailed by customers as the “best in Essex” - has been lauded as “Independent Toy Retailer of the Year”, in a huge scoop for the business.

The family-owned Toys N Tuck, based in Queens Road, Southend, won the title at the Toy Industry Awards, recognising years of dedication from the owners.

The independent business has been operating across Essex since 1992, previously having shops in both Rayleigh and Billericay before settling in Southend.

Residents welcomed the news, praising the business as “the best toy shop in south Essex”.

Gemma Phillips, 34, said: “Lovely staff, I come to Southend every year for holiday in summer to visit my best friend.

“My daughter absolutely loves this shop and the staff couldn’t do enough to help - such pleasant place to visit and great customer care.”

The toy shop has also gained praise for working with food banks in the past.

One Love Kitchen Soup founder Zoey Smith said: “The One Love project runs a foodbank in Southend each week.

“For our secret Santa toy appeal this year people kindly donated funds that purchased vouchers from Toys N Tuck which were given to children by Santa at our Christmas foodbank.

“Children were over the moon at being able to choose themselves a present, there’s something in store for all ages and staff were very helpful and friendly. It was great to be able to support struggling families as well as a local independent business.”

The Toy Industry Awards are presented by the British Toy and Hobby Association and The Toy Retailers’ Association.

Alan Simpson, chairman of the association, added: “Congratulations to all the winners of the Toy Industry Awards 2022.

“Last year had many challenges for every business across the country for both suppliers and retailers and this is a chance to reflect on how success can be achieved even in the tough times.

“Congratulations to my fellow retailers and to both the shortlisted, and the winners, of the top toys of 2022 and the suppliers that created them.

“The year’s great success stories and the suppliers that make our retail job so much easier. I wish the industry a happy and successful 2023.”