OTLEY has staged its biggest annual Business Awards yet.

The presentation ceremony took place at Otley Courthouse on Friday, March 24 and was attended by more than 150 business owners.

More than 600 nominations for the Otley Chamber of Trade created event's 11 award categories were received this year.

Those gathered on the night were also delighted and inspired by a speech from special guest Danielle Brown MBE, a double Paralympic Archery gold medallist.

Organiser and compere on the night Tom Hatley, Past President of Otley Chamber, said: “This year we received over 600 nominations covering 77 businesses which is a fantastic result.

"I am delighted that the event is growing in it’s success year on year."

Among those celebrating were Salami & Co, which won Best Cafe; Best Newcomers Casa Vitae; Weegmanns, which won Best Large Business; and Peter Heald, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award .

The other winners were: Best Retail - Jenni's Dresser; Best Service Sector - Club Energy; Best Small Business - Otley Pharmacy; Best Food and Drink - Otta's Leah; Community Award - Otley Health & Martial Arts; Good Service Award - Otley Pharmacy; Best Apprentice/Trainee - Jenny Scriven - Lead Tech Ltd;

The evening began with Danielle Brown telling the story of how her life proved that disability is no barrier to achieving what you wish for.

Her drive and determination led to her setting 12 Paralympic World Records, becoming the first athlete to represent England in an able-bodied discipline, and ultimately being ranked World No 1 for her entire career.

She told the audience: "Local businesses play such a huge part in the local community and recognising that is important for their own success."

Each of the winners - whose awards were all sponsored by fellow local businesses - received an engraved award and personalised certificate.

The organisers would like to give special thanks to its main sponsors Otley Chamber of Trade, Otley BID and Otley Town Council, and to its media sponsor Stray FM.