A host of Lancaster firms have been short-listed for awards in a competition celebrating success in business.

The 'Be Inspired' business awards scheme, organised by Business Link North and Western Lancashire and the Lancashire Learning and Skills Council, are aimed at celebrating achievement and rewarding high standards.

In line for the top-rated 'New Business of the Year' prize are Business 1st Lancaster and Mackies of Lancaster.

Business 1st offers a wide range of services including web-site design, domain name hosting and website marketing.

Set up in 2000, the business is beginning to penetrate emerging mar-kets and is at the forefront of new developments in the industry.

Mackies of Lancaster was set up in 2001 by local man James Mackie, to fulfil his dream of owning a shop dedicated to high-quality interior decoration after having practiced his specialist painting and gilding techniques for 18 years.

The business has quickly developed a reputation for exc-ellence and plans to expand its range of services and retail products to meet demand.

Three of the four firms on the shortlist for the Myerscough College Rural Business of the Year award are local.

Hawthorns Caravan Park of Carnforth targets a mature clientele and has been transformed into a peaceful place for people to spend their leisure time.

Facilities include putting greens, a library, and a free shopping service, which has resulted in increased profits.

The likes of Knowsley Safari Park have used the services of RE Buildings of Lancaster. The firm, which provides a one-stop shop for cattle housing, supplied housing for elephants and rhinos at the park.

Forrest Hills was formerly a mixed livestock farm but, in 1992, the business began to diversify and opened a fly-fishing lake.

This led to the development of more corporate entertainment activities, including quad biking, off road driving, a nine hole golf course and clay pigeon shooting.

Lancaster based Monstermob Ltd will take on three companies in the UK Online award for excellence through e-business. The company provides products for mobile phones, such as ringtones and games. Its sophisticated website has been the biggest area for growth for the firm.

The awards will be made at a special presentation evening next month.