A PENARTH pharmacy has been named the best independent practice in Wales.

Washington Pharmacy, located in Stanwell Road, has scooped the prize at the Welsh Pharmacy Awards held at the Vale of Glamorgan Hotel.

Now in their ninth year, the Welsh Pharmacy Awards are attracting more applicants every year showing commitment to delivering excellence in pharmacy.

After being presented with the award Jane Soltys, pharmacist and owner of Washington Pharmacy said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have won the Independent Pharmacy Practice of the Year award.

"Being the best in Wales is a wonderful accolade to have and could not have been achieved without the commitment and hard work of our dedicated team of healthcare professionals and our many loyal customers.

"This is an award for the many successful independent businesses of Penarth and not just for Washington Pharmacy."

Washington Pharmacy has been an independent pharmacy since the 1950s, and has been owned and managed by Jane Soltys since 2005.

Many customers remember the small traditional pharmacy that existed when she first took over the business but today people will recognise the distinctive maroon red fascia and shop front that she had installed following a major modernisation and expansion of the premises into the neighbouring shop unit several years ago.

In reaching their decision, the judging panel recognised the contribution Washington Pharmacy provides to the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Penarth, in particular the close liaison with all GP surgeries of the town, including the provision of healthcare tests such as diabetes and cholesterol alongside a wide range of treatments and services including reflexology and chiropody.

Judges also acknowledged the travel clinic that operates from Washington Pharmacy providing people travelling abroad with all the necessary vaccinations and immunisations needed for worldwide destinations