Specialist tour operator Allez France, based in Storrington, has received an award as one of the UK's top one per cent of fastest growing companies.

Allez France, the only tour operator in the award, was founded by Denise and Ray Dawe more than 20 years ago.

Mr Dawe and sales director David Weston were presented with the award by minister for small business Nigel Griffiths.

Mr Weston headed a management buy-out of the company last year and now trades under the new group name of Holiday Places. Its brands include Great Escapes, Allez France, Corsican Places, SuperSites and GE Group Travel.

The award is sponsored by accountancy firm Deloitte and Touche.