A financial planner from Exmouth has won a top accolade in his industry - beating off stiff competition.

A financial planner from Brixington has beaten off stiff competition to win his industry’s top accolade - Chartered Financial Planner of the Year.

Judges said father-of-three Duncan Parkes, of Birchwood Road, ‘demonstrated exceptional ability and commitment to the advancement of the financial planning profession’ at a recent award ceremony held at the Personal Finance Society (PFS) conference in Birmingham.

Married Mr Parkes, an associate director at Exeter based accountants and financial planners Old Mill, said: “The award is an unexpected honour and I’m thrilled to receive it.

“I am passionate about working towards higher standards in the industry and have always been an active champion for increased professionalism in financial services, so it makes me proud to think that my thoughts and views are held in such regard.”

Fay Goddard, CEO Personal Finance Society, said the title was ‘hotly contested’ , recognising the ‘best in the field’.

With a membership of over 29,000, this year’s recipient has excelled in an incredibly competitive environment, she added.

Ms Goddard said: “It’s a testament to the strength of Duncan’s work that he was judged the winner.

“Duncan was selected as an outstanding example of a true professional in the realm of financial planning for providing a quality service to clients and the public.

“I would like to personally congratulate him on a worthy achievement.”