The first Axminster Business Awards were officially launched this morning (Tuesday) at a breakfast event at the Community Waffle House.

Nigel Reeve from organisers Marketing West hosted the event and welcomed guests from the local business community, as well as councillors and the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow.

After breakfast was served by the Community Waffle House, Mr Reeve spoke about the concept of the awards scheme, saying its main aim was to promote the wide variety of businesses in the town.

He said that he had already received 50 entries to the awards and he hoped this figure would double by the time entries close on October 15.

Winners would then be announced at a lunchtime awards ceremony, also to be held at the Community Waffle House, on November 23.

Speeches were also made by Cllr Farrow, Barrie Hedges of Axminster Totally Locally, which is backing the awards, and Stuart Carrington from sponsors Thomas Westcott Chartered Accountants.

All spoke about their pride in Axminster, as well as the challenges the local business community had faced in recent years, acknowledging that the town's vibrancy had been boosted in recent weeks.

Entry to the Axminster Business Awards is free. For full details or to enter your own business or your favourite local business, visit https://www.axminsterbusinessawards.co.uk/