WARRINGTON’S top businesses toasted success in the face of a tough economic climate when they gathered at the Park Royal Hotel in Stretton.

The companies met for the ninth annual Warrington Business Awards, organised by the Warrington Guardian, and enjoyed a meal and some inspiring talks before the winners were announced. Redelec Limited, based at Warrington Business Park, scooped the top Business of the Year award.

Antony Grace, who established the company three years ago, was delighted and said: "This is in recognition of all the hard work.”

Business Person of the Year went to Jonathan Walsh of Birchwood Park. The 39-year-old, from Appleton, collected his trophy, which had been designed by Priestley College students, and said: “It is with immense pride that I accepted this award.

“I was particularly proud that my father, Paul, was with me at the awards dinner. He is the man who inspired me from a very early age to do what I now do and gave me the understanding that having a passion for what you do is a prerequisite to doing it well.”

There were even celebrations for the venue itself as Park Royal Hotel secured the Training and Development accolade.