BURY-based accountants and business advisers, Horsfield & Smith, has become the "IT Adviser of the Year" at the Accountancy Practice of the Year Awards.

Partner Nigel Billings said: "Winning came as a big surprise, given the quality of the other contenders.

"It felt a bit like winning an Oscar, and I'm pleased that the hard work and commitment shown by everyone has been recognised in this way.

"For some time we have concentrated on trying to excel at advising our clients with computerised accounts systems.

"Our success at this led to the establishment of a computer division called Hands-On Computer Solutions Ltd, and we are very excited by the continuing growth prospects."