Miller Countrywide es-tate agents - who have branches in Falmouth, Penryn and Helston - have enjoyed their most successful year ever in 2006 and over 200 staff enjoyed a fantastic evening of celebration at their recent annual awards dinner.

Tony Wainwright, managing director of Miller Countrywide, opened the evening by thanking the staff for their outstanding effort during the year. He said: "2006 has been our best year ever, so my congratulations go to everyone for their magnificent performance during the year and also for their support.

"This result further enhances our position within the market place and ensures that we are in an excellent position to face the market challenges of 2007 with confidence and enthusiasm."

Mr Wainwright added: "The success of Miller Countrywide is built upon many things, not least of which being the quality of our staff. This evening gives us the opportunity to acknowledge our staff and, in particular, the award winners.

"During the evening it will give me great pleasure to present long service awards to 10 members of staff who have amassed over 160 years service between them, so not only do we have quality we have loyalty as well."

Mr Wainwright was delighted to welcome Gerry Fitzjohn, national sales director of Countrywide plc, to the awards dinner. On behalf of the Countrywide main board of directors, Mr Fitzjohn conveyed congratulations to Miller Countrywide for their record breaking year, following which he presented the awards which included the managing director's award for West Cornwall to the very successful Falmouth office.

Gareth Wills from the Falmouth office was third in the negotiator of the year award and Lynn Richards, secretary at Falmouth received her 15 years long service award.