A Blackburn-based homeless charity has been named Employer of the Year at a set of business awards.

Shelter Lancashire has prevailed at Lancashire Business View's Red Rose Awards, having been named Employer of the Year.

The Blackburn-based organisation were victorious at the awards which have been hosted in Blackpool for the 12th time.

Businesses from the length and breadth of the county vied for titles across a range of categories, with only the best of the best, as selected by a panel of expert judges, progressing through to the shortlist and a rigorous interview stage before being rewarded for their excellence.

Community organiser, Hope Barnes: “At Shelter Lancashire, we really focus on the wellbeing of our staff as we feel if we are 100 per cent, then we can be a 100 per cent for our service users, who are some of the most vulnerable in our society.

“We dedicate our time to people in the community to better their lives and the community.

"With all the benefits Shelter as a whole have to offer plus all the extra things we do in Lancashire for staff it’s really nice to finally get the recognition we have worked hard for.”

Event founder Richard Slater said: “The Red Rose Awards, now in its twelfth year, are very hotly contested, so Shelter Lancashire should be very proud that they have seen off all the competition to win this award.”

As award winners, Shelter Lancashire collected a trophy specially crafted by trophy partner Pendle Engineering.

BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Graham Liver compered the evening, with entertainment from Deadbeats, Pancake, MH Productions and The Fun Experts.