EMPLOYEE of the Year Mary Mackenzie could not believe she won.
But Mary, 38, deserved the prize after stepping in to help run the School of Sign Language when the woman behind the venture was left fighting for her life.
She said she had never been a manager before, and had helped set up the Blackburn-based business as a volunteer.
But then the owner Debbie Reynolds was given just hours to live by doctors when a tumour in her stomach ruptured, damaging her organs.
While she was recovering, Miss Reynolds handed over control of the business to Mary, despite her lack of experience.
Mary said: "The last year has been really exciting, but it has also been a bit stressful as I have never been a manager in my life.
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"I have loved every minute of it, and I really look forward to going into work as it is just one big happy family.
"We want to continue growing the business over the next few years, recruiting more staff and getting more deaf people into employment."
Miss Reynolds launched the business last April in a bid to break down barriers between deaf and hearing people, promote British Sign Language, and create jobs for deaf people.
Following her return to health, Miss Reynolds left Mary to get on with the day-to-day running of the business.
She is now responsible for the Blackburn firm's 23 staff and volunteers, as well as studying towards an NVQ Level four in British Sign Language.
Miss Reynolds now spends the majority of her time out of the office trying to build on the existing client list, which includes Blackburn and Burnley Colleges, Lancashire County Council, and the NHS.
The Employee of the Year category is traditionally one of the most difficult to judge.
This year Mary won over the judging panel with the way she threw herself into the company, learning all aspects of the business.
Mary, a former support worker at Bolton College, undertook first aid, health and safety, and Inland Revenue courses to ensure the correct financial procedures were in place.
She said: "I just cannot believe I have won. I am so proud.
"I would not have won this award if it was not for my work colleagues and a big thank-you goes to them.
"In the application Debbie said I was one in a million, but she is one in a million.
"Debbie is the best boss you can ask for, but she is also a friend."
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