Dipple and Conway, which also has practices in Norwich and Stowmarket, was named the UK's top varifocal lens dispensers at the industry's glittering annual awards night in Birmingham.

A delighted Damian Conway, director of the long-established independent firm, was applauded by 850 guests as he collected the Varilux Golden Jubilee Award at the National Motorcycle Museum.

He said: "It was a proud moment. It is a tremendous honour to know we are setting the benchmark for all other opticians in the country."

Essilor, who own the Varilux brand, said the jubilee award was given to highlight practices which have been at the forefront of varifocal lens dispensing over the last five decades. The entry criteria included "a long-standing passion" for varifocal lenses. The family firm is currently owned by the three grandsons of Thomas Conway, who started the business in Norwich in partnership with jeweller George Dipple in 1916.

Damian, Robert and James joined in the 1980s and it has grown into one of the most successful independent groups in the region.