THE former leader of local firms and the trust that runs two of England's top performing schools received special awards at a celebration of all that is best in a borough.

On Wednesday night the Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards 2017 celebrated Mike Damms 23 years as chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

The 66-year-old received the special 'Arte et Labore' award for his work in supporting companies through good times and bad.

The Hive Chairman’s Award was won by the Tauheedul Educational Trust for its contribution to boosting school and pupil performance in the borough.

Its family of schools, which includes the Tauheedul Islam Girls High School and its boys equivalent, were ranked best in the country earlier this year.

The third annual awards organised by HIVE, Blackburn with Darwen's business leaders' network, announced the prize-winners at a black-tie event held at King George’s Hall hosted by ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson, with Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant, director of Norton & Sons, as guest speaker.

Finalists underwent a rigorous judging process at Northcote at the Rovers across a range of categories, including titles for those that showed the most creativity, manufacturing excellence and high growth, as well as business person of the year and young employee awards for individuals.

Other winners included Hippo Motor Group who took 'The Growing Business Award' and The Friends of Blackburn Cathedral Flower Festival who swept up The Buzz Award.

Darwen resident Mr Damms, who has just retired, said: "I am flattered.

"It is a huge honour not just for me but the whole team chamber and businesses in Blackburn and Darwen who have helped make manufacturing fashionable again."

Hamid Patel, chief executive of Tauheedul Education Trust, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our trust has been selected specifically to win this award.

"We work hard every day to ensure every young person in our schools has the opportunity to fulfil their leadership potential, whatever their background.

“It is testament to our dedicated parents and teachers that we are able to deliver this on a daily basis.”

Khalid Saifullah, a director of Star Tissue and chairman of the Hive Network, said: “The awards really highlight the fantastic businesses we have within the borough and we’re pleased they’ve taken this opportunity to shout about what they do and celebrate the extraordinary people working for them.”

Headline sponsors of the Hive Awards 2017 were Blackburn College, Capita and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.