ENTRIES have come flooding in to the first ever Skipton Business Awards which will take place at The Rendezvous Hotel on Thursday, March 23, from 7pm.

Wendy Lawson, the awards coordinator described the response as "fantastic" and said the 85 competitors would now be scrutinised as part of a preliminary consideration said Wendy Lawson.

“Entries are now being sent to judges for initial consideration. Finalists will be contacted from February 22 as a priority and all entrants will be contacted and acknowledged after that," she said.

Headline sponsor wass Andrew Mear of High Corn Mill who was already involved in contributing time and expertise to the business community in Skipton.

He was happy to support the awards which championed businesses in Skipton and the BD23 community, she said.

"High Corn Mill, one of Skipton’s most historic buildings, has been sensitively renovated over time and now houses several businesses as well as retaining a working water-wheel which generates power for the building and nearby properties," she added.

President, Billy Moffat said: “The awards were created to offer local businesses an opportunity to promote what they do best.

"It has been so encouraging to receive the support of independent Skipton businesses contributing to the success of one another through sponsorship.

"Andrew and his family have owned and run successful businesses in Skipton for decades. His generosity to the awards in our first year will ensure that 2017 is a success and that we can plan for future years.

"It will give the opportunity for many more businesses to be recognised each year for their hard work and passion, making Skipton a thriving, nationally recognised, great community.

"On behalf of the Skipton Chamber of Trade & Commerce and Awards working party, I would like to thank Andrew and all sponsors for their incredible support towards this initiative.”

Initial funding was received from Skipton BID and other sponsors are The Mill Shop and Pentelow Practice

The Shepherd Partnership Limited Barclays Bank plc, Bizzie Lizzie’s, Bluefin Insurance Services, Craven College, Devonshire Hotels & Restaurants, Keelham Farm Shop, The Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton Market, Tyro Training and Windle & Bowker

Tickets for the presentation evening are available to book via the awards website: www.skiptonbusinessawards.co.uk.