An Evesham shopping centre has won a national award.

The Valley’s retail commercial manager Emily Burton picked up the Young Achiever of the Year Award at the 2021 SCEPTRE Awards.

The 22-year-old only joined The Valley in July of last year, during the height of the pandemic, and has experienced a whirlwind first year.

Phil Maclean, marketing director at the site, said: “Emily has been a positive force from day one and is thoroughly deserving of this award.

“She has played an integral role in our success, seeing footfall and shopper spend return and surpass pre-covid times.

“Emily has a clear vision for our schemes but she also has the determination and personality to deliver it.

“We are delighted to put Evesham on the map at these national awards.”

The SCEPTRE Awards recognise the best practice in the shopping centre industry, shining a spotlight on the people delivering real excellence.

Emily was one of seven finalists with competition from the likes of Bristol’s Cribbs Causeway and Clarks Village in Somerset.

At last month's award ceremony, at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, Emily was crowned the winner.

Judges described her as a young, ambitious, tenacious individual who approaches her role with genuine care for her colleagues, tenants, stakeholders and shoppers, making her an outstanding individual with a bright future in the retail industry.