THE real winner at a racing-themed awards ceremony was a Blackburn homeless charity.

The Mall Blackburn’s 13th Retailer Awards at King George’s Hall raised £185 for Nightsafe, which helps young people aged between 16 and 24-years-old.

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The awards event encouraged ladies and gentlemen to come dressed in their finest, with a few fancy dress jockeys, while there was racing-themed entertainment and games.

The biggest prize, Shoppers’ Choice – which was voted for by customers – went to Next.

Primark was named best overall retailer for the fourth year running and won a category for the most involvement in social media.

Loraine Jones, general manager of The Mall Blackburn, said: “The Retailer Awards provide a fantastic opportunity for The Mall retailers to get together and celebrate their achievements.”

On the night, Pandora won prizes for best involvement in marketing and most involvement in the national and local Love Sundays promotion.

The best independent retailer category prize was picked up by Inter Car Cleaning and Costa Coffee won the best customer experience gong.

Warren James was victorious in the C&R Safe Award category, while New Look was recognised for its involvement with The Mall’s RewardME Card scheme.

Millie’s Cookies won an award for its involvement with the Mall’s Ask Me Point and The Fragrance Shop was acknowledged for its involvement with Trade Index.

Nightsafe helps youngsters in four main ways.

The Shelter provides a safe place to stay with support to help them find more permanent accommodation, Witton Project promotes life skills, Platform 5 provides facilities such as laundry, storage, showers and meals while the Cornfield Cliffe is a supported housing project in Darwen providing six en suite rooms with 24-hour support.

l A Blackburn florist is celebrating five years in the town’s The Mall shopping centre after winning its Retail Factor competition in 2010.

Stems Floral Design, which came into the complex after winning the small business competition, has moved into a larger space in Victoria Court to meet growing demand.

The family business is run by sister and brother team Helen and Dave Fisher, and mother Wendy.

Wendy, who lives in Baxenden, said: “We have lots of exciting plans for the future.”