YORK independent letting agents Linley & Simpson has won best medium-sized agent in the North of England at the prestigious Lettings Agency Of The Year awards.

The business, based in Micklegate, with sister offices in Ripon, Harrogate and Wetherby, won the award for the second successive year.

Founding directors Will Linley and Nick Simpson were presented with the award by four-time Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE.

Judges who picked Linley & Simpson from 5,000 entrants, said: “Internet search engine investment and regular client newsletters make this a very slick operation. As does its innovation, which extends to working with local councils to encourage homeowners with empty flats and houses to dip their toe in the lettings market and consider renting.”