A HUSBAND and wife business based in Blackburn have been named 'North West Young Entrepreneurs of the Year'.

Andy and Samantha Bradshaw, whose business 'Oneighty Creative Ltd' is based in the Business Development Centre, in Eanam Wharf, won the North West's 'Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneurs of the Year' title at a ceremony in Manchester.

The couple, who live in Baxenden, near Accrington, were delighted to successfully represent East Lancashire.

Andy said: "It's absolutely phenomenal.

"The standard of the other finalists was so good we just didn't think we had a chance.

"When we won, we didn't know whether to cry, laugh or smile.

"For ourselves it has showed we are doing something right, and for our clients it reinforces they are using a quality agency."

Andy and Samantha's company provides creative images and markets businesses.

It has been running for one-and-a-half years, and clients include Blackburn College and The Curry Kitchen.

Andy, 24, and Samantha, 25, met in college in York and moved to East Lancashire when Samantha worked for Printoff Graphic Arts, in Nelson.

After Andy was made redundant from his design job in Manchester, the couple decided to take the plunge and set up their own company.

They won a £1,000 prize and are through to the national final of the competition to be held in London on June 15.

Judge for the competition, Ross Buckland, said: "The title goes to Oneighty Creative because, not only does the business have outstanding potential, but Samantha and Andy demonstrated a sound understanding of the importance of thorough preparation, sound business planning, and good advice."

Any young entrepreneurs can find out more about starting their own business and following in Andy and Samantha's footsteps on www.shell-livewire.org