NORTHERN Ireland's largest independent travel agent Oasis Travel has been named Northern Ireland Small Leisure Travel Agent of the Year at the national Agent Achievement Awards 2006.

The award was open to all Northern Ireland travel agencies with less than 12 branches.

Managing Director Sandra Corkin collected the award at a gala ceremony attended by more than 500 guests from the travel industry in London's Royal Lancaster Hotel.

"I'm delighted that Oasis Travel has won this award," said Sandra. "It's a wonderful honour to be recognised in such prestigious awards by our industry peers.

"This particular award category is voted for by trade principals based on sales performance and customer care, so I'd like to thank everyone who nominated and voted for the company, as well as our customers for their continued support.

"We have a great team of staff, all of whom work extremely hard to provide the high level of customer service that we pride ourselves in and which contributes to our success in awards such as this," she added.

Oasis, with branches in Lisburn, Hillsborough, Holywood, Bangor and Belfast City Hospital, was one of five finalists shortlisted from travel agents throughout the province competing for the coveted title.

The awards, now in their 10th year, recognise the achievements of business and leisure travel agents in the UK.