YEARS of hard work have paid off for an Oxford fishmonger after it was named the best independent seafood retailer in Britain.

Haymans Fisheries, in the Covered Market, picked up the award at the bi-annual Seafood Awards in London on Thursday.

After being shortlisted for same award in 2007, general manager Ray Lindsey, spent three months compiling Haymans’ entry this year to show the firm’s quality control, training, sustainability and interaction with the local community.

Mr Lindsey said: “It still hasn’t sunk in yet.

“All 14 of us got back from the ceremony at 2am and were at work again at 5.30am.

“We’ve always strived extremely hard to get this award, and It has been four years trying to get it.

“It’s a huge thanks to everyone, from the staff, board of directors, and all the customers — we would be nothing without them.”