Disabled customers praised the shop layout

Members of access group Disability Direct said staff at Ann Summers on St Peter's Street in Derby were particularly helpful and friendly.

The chain store, which sells saucy lingerie and marital aids, has also fitted internal ramps and has accessible changing rooms.

The store was also praised for its open plan layout and thoughtful items such as low hooks for people to hang garments on in the changing rooms.

Lower hooks

Store manager, Carol Dobson said: "We're really pleased it's a massive achievement for us.

"We didn't think that we'd stand a chance against the bigger stores.

"It was not built with disabled people in mind but when we opened and realised the large number of disabled customers, we decided to make the premises more wheelchair friendly."

The decision was made by a panel of three judges, a member from the Derby access group, a city council access officer and Amarjit Raji, the chief executive of Disability Direct the group which organises the award.

Mr Raji said: "It was the simplicity of it, a ramped entrance, the fact it was open plan, the little thoughts that make a difference.

"Compared to one of the worst examples where we saw a disabled toilet which was also used as a broom cupboard, it was the attention to detail that made it stand out.

"Some companies have even said they have lowered counters when they haven't.

"It's a small shop but they have got it absolutely right.