PlusNet has been granted the accolade of best consumer internet service provider (ISP) in the latest awards from the ISP Association (ISPA).

In the tenth annual ceremony, the firm won out over opposition from broadband providers such as BT, Tiscali and Virgin Media.

However, BT was praised for the easily accessible layout of its portal for its BT Yahoo internet service.

The company also picked up a prize for corporate social responsibility, with its Better World campaign singled out for mention.

But it was PlusNet which took the title as being the best provider of internet services to its customers.

A spokesperson for ISPA said: "PlusNet put their customers first with transparent usage allowances."

"The judges also felt that PlusNet's one-month contracts were very beneficial to consumers," the organisation added.

Upon receiving the award, PlusNet reveals that its representative Neil Armstrong gave an acceptance speech consisting only of the words: "We're back."