MORE than 20 businesses came out award winners at the fourth annual Ribble Valley Business Awards ceremony.

Ribble Valley Business Awards are co-ordinated by Enterprising People, a collective of local business owners headed up by local business champion Rob Carder.

More than 200 businesses from across the borough, mainly award finalists, enjoyed a two course meal at Mytton Fold Hotel before the awarding of the 16 categories took place last Thursday.

Silverwoods Waste Management Ltd took the overall prize, The Beacon Award for most inspiring business, with community radio station Ribble FM received the Highly Commended award.

Julian Silverwood, the managing director and owner of Silverwood's Waste Management Ltd, said: "All of us were chuffed to win the award.

"The company has been growing from strength to strength.

"It was great just to be shortlisted for the three categories.

"We certainly weren't expecting to win the big one.

"We are only a small team of 10. It's really nice to win the award and recognise the efforts of the staff."

New categories for 2017 included Artisan Business won by Melt and B2B Business won by Fern Court Business Centre.

Samantha Turner, who co-runs Fern Court Business Centre, said: "I went in with no expectation of winning an award and yet we ended up winning one.

"It was a really good event and I'm glad I got to be part of it.

"We're only a small business which opened 10 years ago.

"This is a perfect way to celebrate our 10 year anniversary."

The Pride of Ribble Valley award went to John Houldsworth while Field Nurse Ribble Valley and Ross Hibbert, from football club Clitheroe Wolves, were both awarded Highly Commended.

Rachel Kay, one of the main organisers of the event, said: "2017 has been a record year for the business awards.

"The amount of nominations doubled from 2016 and the calibre of entries this year meant a tough time for our judges.

"Well done to all our finalists and a huge congratulations to all our Winners & Highly Commended.

"Planning has already started for 2018."