BUSINESSES were celebrated last night as the annual Teesdale Business Awards were held during a glittering awards ceremony in Barnard Castle.

The Teesdale Business Awards 2016 was organised by the town’s Enterprise House and had more than 200 nominations for the annual celebration which showcases the best of Teesdale business activity recognising Teesdale businesses, social enterprises and individuals that have been successful in their own field of activity.

Business Advisor, John Atkinson and Teesdale Businesswoman Emma Hignett hosted the evening while the keynote speaker was Sara Davies, founder of Crafter’s Companion, in Newton Aycliffe.

Winner of the Young Entrepreneur award was Katie Barker who set up her own fish and chip business during the year, while Barnard Castle Cricket Club was handed the Best Community Engagement Project.

S&A Fabrication Ltd, were crowned winners of Best Business and other winners included Gus Rowell, of Anthony Nixon Furniture Ltd for Apprentice of the Year; Cross Lanes Organic Farm for Environmental Achievement and Sporting Force which scooped Best Social Enterprise and Employer of the Year.

Reboot Repairs and Design won Best Customer Focus while Most Innovative Business was awarded to Eating and Living.

Best Business Trading Outside Teesdale went to Neat Acoustics Ltd while Growth Business of the Year went to Café Fresh and Best New Business was awarded to the Teesdale Cheesemakers.