A RECORD number of nominations have been put forward for this year's Otley Business Awards.

A total of 595 nominations have been received for 77 businesses across a wide range of sectors including pharmacy, hairdressing, cafes, pubs, a vets and a martial arts centre.

Tom Hatley, who organises the event on behalf of one of the main sponsors, Otley Chamber of Trade, has been delighted with the response.

He said "The event is now in it’s third year and continues to grow year on year which is fantastic, and just

shows the passion that Otley has for its independent businesses.

"We have a wide selection of retail and service sector businesses who offer a such a broad spectrum of products and expertise. This event was created to celebrate these businesses and showcase Otley as a place to shop and do business."

He added: "The next step is that our independent group of Mystery Shoppers will be given the list of all the nominated businesses and their task is to visit or contact each and every business and ultimately decide on a winner from each category. The winners will then be announced on the awards night. This group of people are totally impartial and are in no way linked to any of the businesses or sponsors of the event– so may the best business win."

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, March 24 at Otley Courthouse, and organisers say it will be

made especially exciting by the attendance by the evening's motivational speaker, double paralympic archery gold medalist, Danielle Brown.

A spokesman said: "Danielle has proven that disability is no barrier to achieving whatever you wish. She is the first athlete to represent England in an able-bodied discipline, and has been ranked world number one for her entire career.

"Danielle’s drive and determination to succeed is exemplary. A wonderful Olympic speaker, we are looking forward to Danielle delivering invaluable advice to our Otley businesses."

The awards are being supported by a wide range of businesses and organisations including Otley BID and Otley Town Council.