BUSINESSES across North Oxfordshire have been celebrating their successes in the annual Cherwell Business Awards.

A host of Bicester and Banbury firms took part in the event at Rye Hill Golf Club in Banbury.

Among the winners was youth charity the OYAP Trust, based at the Courtyard, Bicester, which scooped best charity and community organisation.

Trust director Helen Le Brocq said: “It is the first award we have ever received in recognition of our innovative arts work with young people at risk.”

Another Bicester firm, Zeta Specialist Lighting, of Telford Road, which develops low energy lighting products, won best small business and innovation awards.

Two Deddington business were also among the winners. The Deddington Arms Hotel got best cultural events and tourism award and Vivienne Cudahy, of Auteur Ltd, won business person of the year.

Other winners included Banbury-based Rose’s Care Services which got best new business award; recruitment, training & staff care went to Clark Howes Accountants; and the award for established business went to Hawkins Group of Companies. Best exporter was Integration Technology.

Overall Cherwell Business of the Year was Integration Technology. The firm, which specialises in ultra-violet light technology for printers, is based in Upper Heyford, near Bicester.