STAFF at Debenhams in Salisbury have been celebrating the company's success in scooping the Tommy's Most Parent Friendly Department Store award for 2002.

The award recognises Debenhams' initiatives such as its unisex baby changing facilities.

The store was also runner up in the Most Parent Friendly Restaurant category.

More than 400,000 people voted for the awards with a high number of men praising the store's unisex baby changing facilities.

Debenhams has won the award three years running and, says Salisbury store manager Stephen Mewha, that's no mean achievement.

He explained that the judges visited all 98 stores and every facility within those stores was inspected.

"Part of our building is 15th century so to have such accessibility in a store of this age is remarkable," said Mr Mewha.

"I have recently joined the parent population and I hadn't realised how difficult it can be to get around shops.

"When I'm out shopping with my six-month-old daughter Holly I always find myself heading for the nearest Debenhams, because I can depend on finding the facilities I need."

Restaurant manager Ken Vizard said that a parent and baby could come into the restaurant unequipped and the store would supply bottle warmers and wipes.

"And if an adult buys an adult meal, he or she can feed their baby for free," he said.

Nick and Polly Penwarden from Salisbury were shopping in the store last week with six-month-old baby Josh in his buggy.

"We use Debenhams regularly because it's easy to get around," said Mrs Penwarden.

The Tommy awards encourage parents to vote for the organisations, services and products they think cater most to their needs.

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

o Debenhams has also been included in the list of the top 100 best employers.