A FORMER secretary's flair for making sandwiches coupled with her sound business sense have won her top prize in a business competition.

Gillian Simpson, who opened The Lunch Box in Victoria Road, Consett, just two months ago, has taken first place and a £200 prize for her business plan in a competition run by the Derwentside Industrial Development Agency (Dida) and Barclays.

Her business has proved so popular that it has now taken on three staff to scope with peak times, and Gillian is more than doubling her projected turnover figures. All the cakes, scones and pies are home baked.

Second was Reuben Emery, of Reubens Property Maintenance, Consett, and third was Darren Gettings who runs an engraving, trophy and sports business called DGEE's, also in the town.