Applications for the Ribble Valley Business Awards are currently open, giving member of the public the chance to nominate their favourite local businesses.

Hundreds of local businesses have received their nomination emails with some saying it is the boost they needed after a trying pandemic.

Sarah Michelle Harbord, owner of The Rose and Crown Hotel on Castle Street in Clitheroe, said staff were “thrilled” to receive the nomination.

Lancashire Telegraph: Rose and Crown Hotel on Castle Street (Photo: Google Maps)Rose and Crown Hotel on Castle Street (Photo: Google Maps)

She said: “We are absolutely thrilled. I think it’s important for local businesses to get this kind of opportunity. It’s extra special that out customers and the community have taken the time to vote for us as well.

“It’s heart-warming.”

Vanessa Reynolds, manager of Santuary of Healing in Langho, said the business has been nominated for the ‘not for profit’ award.

The business offer energy based therapies, treatments, healing, psychotherapy and wellness.

Vanessa said: “We are very delighted. It’s so nice to be recognised. We are doing a lot of work here for people with many different diagnoses.

“We have been nominated before but it’s nice to get the recognition again. Hopefully this time, we might get an award.

“We’ve also had people come in with long Covid and it’s nice that we can help people start to recover from this virus as well.”

Northern Dance School, based on Kings Street in Whalley, posted to Facebook to express their gratitude at the nomination.

A spokesperson said: “Wow what an amazing email to receive.

“Whichever lovely person has nominated us for the Ribble Valley business awards thank you so much.

“It means so much to me and I really do appreciate it.”

Nicola Holloway, owner of Limelight Hairdressing Ltd on Shawbridge St in Clitheroe said it’s the second time they have been nominated for the award and were last recognised by the community in 2017.

Nicola said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated, especially as it has been a tough year for businesses.

She said: “We’ve got a really good team here and it’s down to them really. We’ve all worked hard to maintain a safe and professional environment and that this has come across to the clients.”

Limelight wasn’t the only hair and beauty business to be acknowledged.

A spokesperson for George & Gracie Hair and Beauty on Moor Lane in Clitheroe said: "Oh my gosh! We can’t believe it! We’ve been nominated for the Ribble Valley Business award.

"Thank you so much whoever nominated us."

The Royal British Legion social club, on Whalley Road in Clitheroe, also received a nomination.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Royal British Legion social club, on Whalley Road in Clitheroe (Photo: Google Maps)The Royal British Legion social club, on Whalley Road in Clitheroe (Photo: Google Maps)

Susan Garner has been steward of the club for 42 years and says it is the first time they have been nominated.

She said: “We are absolutely privileged and we only found out last night (11 January).

“The Royal British legion is a club which serves the community.

“We have events that run throughout the year and it really is the hive of the community.

“The only thing I can say to those that voted is thank you very much!”

The Ribble Valley Business Awards celebrate the businesses and individuals that make the Ribble Valley such a wonderful place to live, work and visit. 

Organiser Rachel Kay said "We're absolutely blown away with the response this year. To have had 1000 nominations already is incredible.

"We can't thank the community enough for getting behind the awards, and helping us celebrate the fantastic businesses that make the Ribble Valley such a wonderful place to live, work and visit."

The 2022 awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 24 March at Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho.

Vote on the Ribble Valley Business Awards website at: www.ribblevalleybusinessawards.co.uk/