SWINDON based Triumph International has won an award for being way out in front with its range of sports bras.

The Sports Brandleaders' Council voted the company, which makes bras for sports-women and Olympic athletes such as British triple jumper Ashia Hansen, left, as one of the 40 best sports brands in the country.

The Commonwealth and European Champion, who received an MBE for services to sport, modelled one of the winning bras at the ceremony.

"Triumph continues to provide women with an innovative and highly functional range of sports bras, recognising that freedom, comfort and support are integral to the success of their products," said a spokesman for the Sports Brandleaders' Council which includes TV presenter Gabby Logan.

More than 600 brands were assessed for the prize and Triumph's assets were rated alongside a series of sporting venues and events.

Tony Jarvis, sales and marketing manager for Triumph, said: "We are delighted to have won this award alongside such eminent brands.

"It is testimony to the commitment we have shown in developing the sports bra to meet the ever changing needs of women."

A panel of experts gave Nike first place. Adidas and the Wimbledon tennis tournament took second and third.

Ben Payne