An opticians in Ipswich that has been a mainstay in the town for more than 100 years is celebrating after winning a national award.

A J Rawling, situated in Northgate Street in the town centre, came away from the Sightcare Awards in Telford last Monday as the holders of the outstanding achievement award.

The practice was a finalist in the independent optician of the year award, and won in recognition of the high quality of customer service it offers patients.

A J Rawling Opticians has been trading in Ipswich town centre since it was founded in 1923 by Alfred John Rawling.

Ipswich Star: Catherine Sims and Emma Smith, the current owners of A J Rawling.Catherine Sims and Emma Smith, the current owners of A J Rawling. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The opticians was previously located in Butter Market until 1970 when it moved to Northgate Street, where it remains to this day.

2023 was a successful year for the practice, as it celebrated its 100th year and was nominated for national awards.

This Sightcare award is the "icing on the cake" for managers Emma Smith and Catherine Sims.

Ms Sims said: "We are so thrilled and will put the award in pride of place in reception.

Ipswich Star: A J Rawling is celebrating its 101st yearA J Rawling is celebrating its 101st year (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"We want to thank all the team at A J Rawling for their hard work and our wonderful patients for supporting us over all these years."

The pair said the opticians prides itself in traditional values such as an un-rushed thorough eye examination, good customer service and taking time to talk to patients to dispense good value, well-fitting glasses.

A J Rawling staff past and present are to come together for a celebratory dinner in the near future to commemorate the achievement.