Published at 09:44, Friday, 12 February 2010

THE Harding family enjoyed a special double celebration at the Tynedale Business Awards.

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For the County Hotel, in Hexham, and The Dyvels, in Corbridge, tied in the poll to crown the best tourism business in the district.

So Peter and Dianne Harding, who own the County, shared the stage with son David and his wife Gemma, who run the Dyvels, to collect the joint award, sponsored by Waitrose.

There was a record turn-out for the fourth awards ceremony, organised by the Hexham Business Forum.

More than 120 people attended the gala dinner and presentation at Langley Castle Hotel. Compere for the evening was veteran North-East comedian Alan Fox.

Hexham solictor Jane Marston also had a double reason to celebrate.

On behalf of Marston Harbottle Solicitors, she collected the award for professional service provider, sponsored by the Hexham Courant. And she also received a special award in recognition of her sterling work as the business forum’s membership secretary, a position she is relinquishing after four years’ service.

Young entrepreneur Liam Watson followed up winning the young enterprise category at the Pride In Tynedale Awards in November, by winning the start-up business award, sponsored by the business forum, at Friday night’s ceremony. Last year he opened the Shaken milk shake bar in Fore Street, Hexham.

Awards were handed out in nine categories.

Business forum chairman Sandy Rutherford said the awards were special because they were determined by the votes of ordinary customers.

“It was another successful awards evening and we congratulate the winning businesses. I would encourage more entries from around the district and call on businesses large and small to promote the awards to their customers.”

He added: “It is important we reflect business and levels of customer satisfaction from the whole district.”

Organising committee chairman Julian Weightman said: “We were delighted at the turnout. This shows the awards are now firmly established on the calendar.

“The level of service and the food at Langley Castle were fantastic and we believe everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening.”

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk