A Kenley firm that has dedicated 26 years to quality work and customer service has scooped the title of decorator of the year.

Quality Decor, based in Hayes Lane, has been approved and accredited by Dulux and named as one of its Select Decorators.

Now Dulux has named the company its number one Select decorator of the year.

The latest award, which was presented to them in December, comes just a year after Quality Decor was named small company of the year in the Painting and Decorating Association's awards.

The first award recognised the restoration of part of Painters and Decorators Guild headquarters in London, a project which involved some delicate gold leaf work.

Ivor Macklin, director of Quality Decor, said its winning project in the Dulux awards related to a major job at a house in Bromley.

Mr Macklin said: "Originally we were asked to do some special effect work on two fireplaces, but the clients wanted more work done and the expertise we have gained in interior design meant we were able to extend our estimate to include the decoration of the whole house."

The scheme involved not just painting and paper hanging, but specialist joinery work, installing new hardwood windows, cupboards and children's bedroom furniture and French polishing.

Mr Macklin said: "I think a lot of people didn't realise we did design work, so we decided to enter the house in the Dulux competition and we are chuffed to pieces to have won.

"Being a Select Decorator and winning the title has to good for our clients because it gives them peace of mind that they will get a good job done."

The emphasis on a high standard of work is the main reason why the company had remained small, Mr Macklin said.

It employs a main team of four but is keen to bring young people into the trade.

Much of its work concentrates on dealing with individuals offering them, as in its prize-winning Bromley scheme, a range of skills wider than just painting and decorating.

Mr Macklin added: "I have always been against becoming a large firm because you then find you have to bid for bigger contracts with people like housing associations.

"When you do that you can't keep such a close hand on quality and customer service.

"Those high standards are the backbone of what we offer."