THE search for the cream of East Lancashire business reached a dramatic final last night at the region's top awards ceremony.

Blackburn-based Inter Link Foods won the top accolade of Company of the Year at the Pride of East Lancashire Business Awards 2003.

And chief executive Alwin Thompson capped a remarkable 10 years in the town when he collected the prized trophy from Brenda Rudge, managing director of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

Since he bought the former ailing Crossfields Bakery in 1994, Alwin has created a company which is now the third largest bakery business in Britain. From its headquarters at Shadsworth, he now masterminds a company with 950 staff at sites across the UK and sales of £85million.

He received the title at the glittering awards ceremony at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, which attracted key figures from the world of business and industry in East Lancashire.

He said: "We have won this for the people of Blackburn. Most bosses would probably put their award in their office but I will be putting it in the factory where everyone can get the halo effect and feel very proud of East Lancashire."

There were seven other winners on the night, which has become the highlight of East Lancashire's business calendar.

Kevin Young, editor of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, said the Business Awards 2003 had been the best in their history. "It was a tremendous event," he said. "There were some marvellous companies competing, giving us some wonderful examples of all that is good in East Lancashire business.

"The judging panel was overwhelmed by both the volume and the quality of the entries. Deciding on a shortlist for each of the eight categories was difficult enough, but to come up with an overall winner was near impossible.

"Inter Link Foods, however, just edged the decision with its highly professional and innovative approach to every aspect of its business."

The awards were run in conjunction with the Learning and Skills Council Lancashire and were sponsored by the University of Central Lancashire, PM&M Chartered Accountants, Jobcentre Plus and the East Lancashire Partnership.

Main speaker for the night was Burnley FC legend Paul Fletcher who left the world of football to carve himself a career as one of the leading specialists in developing sports stadia. Compere was BBC North West Tonight weather girl Diane Oxberry.

Award winners

Company of the Year: Inter Link Foods

Highly Commended: Shire Hotels, Hurstwood Group

New Business of the Year: Daisy Communications

Highly Commended: Holden Vale, Smiles on Faces

Workforce Development Award: Alert Security Systems

Highly Commended: North Lancs Training Group, PA Travel

Marketing Award: PDS Engineering

Highly Commended: Lamps and Lighting,Gibsons Gardening Machinery

Customer Service Award: Althams Travel

Highly Commended: Walkersteel,MNH Vehicle Contracts

Deal of the Year: Metflex Precision Engineering

Highly Commended: ITFX,Farmhouse Fare

Innovation and Design Award: Ryder Systems

Highly Commended: Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings.Neales Waste Management

Ambassadors' Award: Jim Fagan, Keytech Management Services

Highly Commended: Nigel Perry, Medex Medical, Anthony Capstick, Instant Search