A CLIFTON Moor firm, which scooped the Evening Press Business of the Year title in 2002, has been named the best specialist games retailer in the UK.

Gamestation earned the title at the MCV Industry Excellence Awards in London.

It was the first time the York firm's rival retailer, GAME, had failed to take home the title since the awards' inception four years ago.

The judging panel consisted of 100 industry executives, after nominations were taken from key figures in the industry.

The award is confirmation of continuing success for the organisation which, only days before taking the Evening Press accolade, was sold to Blockbuster UK, yet maintained its identity and base in Amy Johnson Way.

Gamestation has become the fastest growing games retailer in Britain. It has 230 branches and employs 1,600 people.

Stephen, and fellow University of York graduate Julian Gladwin, started the venture in 1991 in a single shop in a small, short-licence store in Gillygate, York.

With the help of a £1,500 Prince's Trust grant, together with £4,500-worth of loans, it proved to be an instant success.

It feeds gamers' demand for titles such as Halo2, Grand Theft Auto:San Andreas and Pro-Evolution Soccer 4.

Both its founders have now left the company, millions of pounds richer.

Managing director Michael Logue said: "We're thrilled at winning this award. Every member of our team from our stores to head office is a gamer at heart and this is reflected in how we talk to our customers and our commitment to giving them the best games experience possible. We're pleased that the industry has recognised our unique offering, commitment and our passion to do things the right way."

Updated: 14:00 Wednesday, April 13, 2005