SUCCESS stories from businesses across South Devon were recognised at a night to remember in Torquay.

The fifth annual Herald Express South Devon Business Excellence Awards took place at the Riviera International Conference Centre on Friday, February 10.

The event which gives public recognition for business efforts and also helps raise a company's profile, is organised in conjunction with headline sponsors Torbay Development Agency and in collaboration with South Devon College.

Scores of employers and their staff turned out for a glittering evening to applaud the hard work of colleagues and hear tales of new businesses, innovative and green working practices and increasing sales and expansions.

Each year the event, which gets bigger and better, is only able to take place thanks to the sponsors which this year were Kitsons Solicitors, EMCAS, Business West, Pavey Group, The Garage Door Services, Outset Torbay, Jelf and First Great Western.

The team also worked closely with South West Innovation Centres, local chambers of commerce and the Federation of Small Business.

Torbay Development Agency chief executive Steve Parrock said: "What a fantastic evening to celebrate all those successful businesses. It is great for the Bay and South Devon.

"All the businesses tonight were very inspiring. You don't realise how many great businesses there are in the Bay.

"This is the fifth year we have held the awards, and it just gets bigger and better."

During the evening guests were treated to a three-course meal, a Formula One experience, music from 10-piece soul band Soul Funktion and performances from Babbacombe Theatre dancers.