A North Yorkshire food firm has won an award for its outstanding community impact at the Great British Business and Community Awards.

The Bedale-based company, HECK! Food, secured the Business of the Year title, being commended for the significant contributions it has brought to its local community.

HECK! Food, a family and friends-run business best known for its sausages, created its Community Fund in May with the goal of recognising and supporting individuals and smaller organisations making a notable difference in their local areas.

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(Image: HECK!)

HECK! co-founder Jamie Keeble said: "We were delighted to win the award as it specifically talked about our work with the local community.

"Since we launched 11 years ago, we’ve been working to support local causes in the parishes close to HECK!

"HQ, but it was during the pandemic that we really saw the power of community to create positive change and how people came together to help each other."

"The HECK! Community Fund embodies our commitment to giving back, whether through financial support, volunteering our team’s time or helping community events with product and prize donations."

Among the beneficiaries of the HECK! Community Fund are Thirsk & Sowerby Harriers 10 mile road and wheelchair race, RAF Leeming Families and Friends Day, Bedale Juniors, Northallerton Fundraising Committee for Macmillan, the Christmas Festival in Bedale and Ellingham Primary VC School PTA in Norfolk.

Those interested in applying for HECK! Community Funding can get in touch via www.heckfood.co.uk/pages/community.