TOP businesses in Sedgemoor were recognised for their achievements over the past year at a glitzy awards ceremony.

Guests were dressed up to the nines for Thursday night's Sedgemoor Business Excellence Awards, held at the McMillan Theatre.

The event was organised by Sedgemoor District Council, Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce and Bridgwater & Taunton College and was compered by BBC Somerset's Claire Carter.

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal and an inspirational and humourous speech by Colonel Michael Kingscote, who runs Outposts Ltd.

Both Brean Leisure Park and Clavelshay Barn snapped up two prizes apiece for their efforts.

Brean Leisure Park won the family business of the year and large business of the year, while Clavelshay Barn picked up the customer service excellence and micro-business of the year award.

Sue Milverton, co-owner of Clavelshay Barn said: "With me are my amazing team and without them we would not be so successful.

"We go by three words: faith, vision and courage. To run a successful business you need faith to believe, vision to see and courage to do," she said.

Wilkins Jewellers brought their whole team on stage to collect the award to best independent trader, presented by mayor of Bridgwater Alex Glassford.

Staff member Lucy Hollidge said: "We are so grateful for this award. The Wilkins family devote their life's work to serving Sedgemoor."

Small business of the year went to Presona UK, who were described by the judges as a 'great local business who offer great opportunities to local people'.

The award, which was sponsored by Sedgemoor District Council, was presented by Cllr Anne Fraser.

The final award of the evening went to MMES 2012 Ltd, for Engaging With Nuclear - the first time the award had been presented.

Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce chairman Steve Leahy said: "This is the first time we have this award - it took a long time but this year Hinkley got the go ahead and now they are going flat out.

"This award celebrates local traders who have engaged with the project and managed to grow their business."

Mike Morgan, electrical projects manager at MMES said: "We have benefitted from networking events that have enabled us to join the Hinkley Supply Chain.

"We have brought in apprentices from Bridgwater College in administration, plumbing, heating and electrical, and the business has nearly doubled in size," Mr Morgan said.

"There will be more opportunities going forward, and there will be more work going than we will be able to do so we want to help other local businesses progress to."