MORE than 200 people packed a hotel for Darlington Business Venture's annual awards.

Six companies received accolades for their achievements in starting up their own businesses.

Gill Goody, of Amity Mortgages, scooped the overall Business Achievement award, highly commended in the category went to Les Mooney, proprietor of Darlington's Internet facility Caf Gulp, for his achievement in the development of the business. Hosted by Darlington Business Venture, the awards were sponsored by Darlington Borough Council, with the support of high street banks and building societies and Business Link Tees Valley.

New Business of the Year 2002 was awarded to Robert Hardman, of All Events Security. Mr Hardman has been instrumental in controlling crowds at many regional events.

Runner up Business of the Year was awarded to Adam Sayers, proprietor of Sanity Multi-Media. A major investment happened on Stockton Quayside when Sanity came to town earlier this year.

Their up-to-the minute studio facilities mean that bands and artists no longer have to travel to London to make top quality recordings.

Hilary Dunne, marketing manager at Darlington Business Venture, said: "This event is a celebration of the success generated by some of the new businesses recently set up in Darlington and Stockton.

"Enormous amounts of hard work have gone into building up these new enterprises, and with further dedicated effort they will go on to achieve even greater things."