THE Teesdale Business Awards have returned to the dale for a fourth year.

Nominations are now open for the awards which aim to celebrate the success of businesses and individuals working in the Teesdale area.

Twelve categories have been established to demonstrate business excellence in products and services, which include Best Business, Best New Business, Best Business Trading Outside Of Teesdale, Best Community Engagement Project and Apprentice of The Year.

The awards are being co-managed by Radio Teesdale and Enterprise House.

Peter Dixon, Radio Teesdale’s station manager said: “We have been a media partner to the Teesdale Business Awards since it was conceived and have been actively involved in producing the awards ceremonies each year.

“We are very pleased to be supporting an exciting initiative which celebrates the ambitions, creativity and successes of a wide range of businesses and social enterprises across Teesdale.”

Mr Dixon added: "We have spoken to a number of businesses about continuing the awards and everyone has been very positive about the idea.

“Without the sponsors’ support, the Teesdale Business Awards simply would not take place. It is a not-for-profit enterprise with all financial contributions used to cover the costs of organising the process and the event itself."

Nominations will remain open until noon on Friday December, 12.

The awards’ ceremony will take place at The Witham, in Barnard Castle, on Thursday, February 12 at 7pm.

Tickets, costing £10, are on sale now for the ceremony, from The Witham Box Office or online at www.TheWitham.org.uk

For more information or to nominate visit www.teesdalebusinessawards.co.uk.