DEBENHAMS, which has a store in Salisbury, has won the Tommy's Parent-Friendly Award for 2003 the third year in a row it has scooped the honour.

Tommy's is a national charity, which funds medical research into the causes of premature birth, miscarriage and stillbirth.

The awards, which are in their 11th year, aim to encourage parents to vote for the organisations, services and products they believe most cater for their needs.

The Tommy's Most Parent-Friendly Department Store award was presented to Debenhams at a ceremony in London.

The judging panel took into account Debenhams' initiatives, including a VIP baby service, free baby food with purchases of adult food, organic baby food, microwaves in restaurants, and unisex baby changing facilities.

Sharon Singer, Salisbury store manager, said she was delighted the company had won the award and thanked all the customers who had voted for Debenhams.

She said that despite the Salisbury store being an old building, it was able to provide a number of parent- and baby-friendly facilities, which it was currently looking at upgrading.

"We are mindful of the younger population and their parents and we want the new generation to be part of our customer base," she said.

Belinda Earl, chief executive for Debenhams, said she was thrilled. "It is really very encouraging to us as a company to know that our customers are happy with the service we provide," she said.