The cream of the crop of the business world in the Stamford, Rutland, Bourne and Deepings area gathered at Greetham Valley Hotel, Golf and Conference Centre to watch as the honours were handed out.

Cheers rang out as Julie Dupree took to the stage to collect the Business of the Year award for Dupree Creative, the independent brand and design consultancy she runs in Tinwell Road with husband Martin.

Speaking after the ceremony, which 47-year-old Martin could not attend due to illness, Julie, 48, of The Barn, Barholm, said: "I am elated and delighted. It is for the team. They are the driving force as much as me and my husband.

"It is a reward for the hard work, determination and commitment that the team have put in."

Other winners on the night were Bourne catering company Three Peas, who scooped Best New Start-Up while Stamford man Thierry Daugeron was dubbed Business Personality of the Year.

New College Stamford took the Green Award while Stamford butchers Nelsons was given customer service accolade.

Employee of the Year went to dedicated Charlotte Darroch and Kim Quigley for all their hard work with youngsters at Casterton Business and Enterprise College.