AN estate agency with branches in Ilkley and Horsforth has struck double gold in the property industry’s “Oscars”.

Linley & Simpson’s specialist land and new home team was crowned the best in the UK, while the company also clinched the title of property management department of the year. The achievements marked a rare double for the agency at the awards, organised by The Negotiator magazine and now in their 12th year.

Director of land and new homes, David Waddington, and head of property maintenance, Luke Gibson, were presented with their trophies by the comedian, actor and TV presenter Tom Allen, star of The Apprentice: You’re Fired! and Bake Off.

The estate agency’s chief executive Will Linley said: “These are the property industry’s most prestigious national awards and we were thrilled to return to Yorkshire with a brace of them – a rare feat.”