THE BRIGHTEST businesses in the region celebrated in style, last night, at the third Westmorland Gazette Business and Tourism Awards.

Eleven businesses were honoured as more than 200 guests attended a glittering ceremony at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel, last night.

The most prestigious award went to quality meat specialists Lakes Speciality Foods, which fought off fierce competitions from companies across three counties to be crowned the Business of the Year.

Director Chris Gray said: “We are delighted to win. It has been a tough year because of the economic climate and we have had a really big push. Everyone has worked so hard. Customer service and consistency is everything to us.”

Team of the year was awarded to the multi-lingual staff at Business Lines Limited, based at Carnforth, which has recently scored their largest single export order of two million products.

The success story of Wax Lyrical, at Lindal-in-Furness, continued when managing director Mike Armstead took to the stage to receive the award for Training and Development.

Hotel of the Year was scooped by the four-star Rothay Garden Hotel, set in picturesque Grasmere and owned by Chris Carss who has 19 dedicated and loyal staff. A Corner Of Eden was the winner of the Place To Stay award - the icing on the cake after a year which has seen owners Debbie Temple and Richard Greaves adding Angel Barn and The Shepherd’s Hut to their business.

The constantly evolving Houghton Parkhouse took the Innovation and Technology award in recognition of their unique Platinum range.

The award for Best Retailer of the Year was scooped by Kendal-based lifestyle and homeware specialists Armstrong Ward. Milnthorpe-based RSR Total Solutions took home the coveted Small Business Award. Winners of the Green Award were Elim Lodge Guest House, of Bowness-on-Windermere.

The Social and Community Development Award was scooped by Kendal charity Growing Well Industrial and Provident Society.

Meanwhile, Ullswater Steamers, based at Glenridding, won the award for best Tourist Attraction/Tour Operator.