More than 270 people packed Accrington Town Hall for the glitzy Hyndburn Business Awards presented by Liz Pollard of Liz Pollard Consulting.

In their third year, the awards attracted 639 nominations more than ever before.

A cheer went up when Church company Emerson and Renwick Ltd was announced as the winner of the Beacon Award and the team, led by Finance Director Andrew McLaughlan, was delighted to collect a bespoke crystal trophy engraved by Alexis Valentine of Walking on Glass.

Andrew said: "What makes this really special is the fact it is the centenary for our company. This year we are planning a series of special events including a fun day when we expect more than 300 colleagues and children to attend."

In the past few years the business has grown incredibly from a workforce of 120 to 160. More than 90 per cent of its products are exported all over the world putting Hyndburn firmly on the map.

Andrew added: "A key thing for us is that we are a local business, it doesn't matter where we sell to, we are firstly a Hyndburn business and these awards are important for us to raise our profile."

For the first time the Evonne Harwood Event of the Year award, sponsored by the Accrington Observer was presented.

News Editor Stuart Pike presented the award and paid tribute to the businesswoman, who died last year and in whose honour it is named.

The winner was decided by a public vote on Facebook and the J Drinkwater Tournament 2017 organised by Globe Bullough Park Football Club was selected.

The event attracts 124 teams aged under six to under 16 from across the country to play two hectic days of football.

Next year is the 10th anniversary and Chairman Graham Roberts said: "It is an honest tournament and not all about winning, it is about children of all abilities being about to play football.

"This trophy is not for us it is for all the children who play in the matches."

A lovely meal was provided by Accrington and Rossendale College, before the 17 trophies were handed out in a slick ceremony.

Winning the Pride of Hyndburn Award was Accrington Lions Club and President May Edmundson, who hands over the chains next month to Richard Gibson, said it was the highlight of her year.

She said: "For our club to get something called the Pride of Hyndburn Award is absolutely amazing. It will mean so much to our members who are always doing things for other people. It is very special."

Rob Carder, of awards' organiser Enterprising People, said: "Each year the awards get better and better and the entrepreneurship we discover in Hyndburn and the amazing success stories make these awards extra special and a pleasure to organise."

WINNERS 2018 Hyndburn Business Awards

The Beacon Award winner Emerson and Renwick Ltd

Large Business sponsored by Haworths Chartered Accountants winner CMAC Group

Small Business sponsored by North Lancs Training Group winner Sundown Solutions Ltd

MicroBusiness sponsored by Business and Enterprise Trust winner Pure Perfection (Accrington) Ltd

Sole Trader sponsored by Liz Pollard Consulting winner Amelia's Boutique

New Business winner sponsored by CMAC Group Best Destinations

Highly commended: Amelia's Boutique

Food Business sponsored by WHN Solicitors winner Perfect Plaice

Creative Business sponsored by Globe Enterprises winner My Colourful Memories C.I.C.

B2B sponsored by lovelocalnetworking winner CM Oxendale Ltd

Tourism Business sponsored by Oswaldtwistle Mills Business and Conference Centre winner Haworth Art Gallery

Independent Retailer sponsored by North West Logistics Ltd winner Wyvern Pharmacy

Highly commended: The Bridal Lounge of Accrington Ltd

Made In Hyndburn sponsored by Sundown Solutions Ltd winner Direct-ED Printing Services

Customer Friendly Business sponsored by The Cardboard Box Co winner Rhoden Manor Cattery

Not for Profit Award winner Accrington Stanley Community Trust

Apprenticeship sponsored by AccRoss winner Advocacy Focus

Highly commended Moonlight Beauty Salon

Pride of Hyndburn sponsored by Acorns of Lancashire winner Accrington Lions Club

Highly commended Ossy Joggers

The Evonne Harwood Event of the Year sponsored by Accrington Observer winner J Drinkwater Tournament 2017