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The Scottish Widows annual IFA awards were held at a prestigious gala dinner at the Guildhall in London.

Hosted by Olympic silver medal winner Roger Black and double Paralympic gold medallist Sarah Storey, a total of four IFAs received the bronze statue of the Widow.

Robert Reid of Syndaxi, who has been in financial services since 1976 and an IFA since 1985, was awarded the lifetime achievement prize.

In addition to his IFA duties, Mr Reid has been head of IFA organisations and currently holds the title of president of the Personal Finance Society.

Meanwhile Wales-based Buckles IFA scooped industry initiative of the year for the set up and introduction of a graduate training scheme to recruit new blood into the adviser community. As a result this has led to them having the youngest Certified Planner in the country.

IFA newcomer went to Becky Taylor of Dunham Financial Services who most recently became a Fellow of the Institute of Financial Planning. She has also mentored students at Manchester Metropolitan University and also chairs a region of the IFP in the East Midlands.

Industry personality of the year was won by Billy Burrows of William Burrows Annuities for his commentary this year on the annuity market, variable annuities and "the third way".

Andy Briggs, managing director of marketing and distribution for Scottish Widows said: "We are delighted to announce this year's winners of The Widows Awards.

"This is the third year we've run the awards which celebrate success, talent and effort in the IFA community. I would like to congratulate all of our winners and wish them continued success."

The judging panel consisted of Tom Baigrie, Katrina Baugh, Nick Cann and Matt Ward.