A ROMSEY builders merchants has been nominated for a national prize.

Elliotts Living Spaces has been put forward for the best merchant showroom of the year in the Builders Merchant Journal Industry Awards for 2018.

The showroom, which underwent a complete transformation in 2016, has seen growth after its displays and service from showroom manager Russel Lait.

Elliotts, which was founded in 1842, has its headquarters based in Southampton, and employs more than 300 staff across its 13 branches in Hampshire.

Justin Dubiel, head of kitchens and bathrooms for Elliotts, said: "Myself and the Elliotts Living Spaces team at Romsey are thrilled to be nominated for the best merchant showroom of the year award.

"Russel and his team have created some stunning spaces for our customers over the past year and this nomination is testament to their hard work.

"The recent re-design of the showroom has allowed us to hold more events, including cookery demonstration days, which have continued to be very popular among the community."

The company celebrated its 175th anniversary last year and is currently run by Tom Elliott, the sixth generation of Elliotts to take the helm of the business. His father, Stuart Mason Elliott, remains as the company chairman.

On top of its base in Romsey and Southampton headquarters, Elliotts also has trade and tool centres in Winchester and Portsmouth.

Other stores are placed in Chandler's Ford, Bishops Waltham, Totton and Fareham.

Elliotts is one of the oldest family businesses in the south.