Business excellence in the Malvern Hills area was rewarded at a glittering ceremony.

A wide spectrum of the business community, from charities to highly specialised industries, gathered at Malvern Theatres on Tuesday for Malvern Hills District Council's Platinum Awards 2005.

Among those raising their glasses in celebration were Will and Meg Edmonds, of Roots at Rushwick, winners of the retail excellence award.

The couple abandoned their corporate careers three years ago to set up an organic farming business, which now grows fruit, vegetables and flowers and stocks locally-produced wine, cheese, pickles and preserves.

"We heard about the awards and decided to apply," said Mr Edmonds.

"I can't quite believe we've won, I'm so chuffed because it's so nice to have your efforts recognised, and I hope this will let more people know where and what we are."

Equally thrilled was Ewan Cameron, managing director of Cameron Engineering and Motor Sport Services, which won the enterprise category.

The precision engineering company, based in Malvern Link, was only set up last year and employs three people.

It has recently worked with QinetiQ, Morgan Motor Company and Formula Jedi motor racing, as well as exporting engines to America.

"We're very, very pleased," said Mr Cameron. "We really hope this promotes the business."

Holland Funeral Services, in Barnards Green, gained the award for service excellence.

Part of the Dignity group, the service is available to people 24 hours a day, all year round.

Staff are active community fundraisers, regularly holding coffee mornings and organising charity events including the annual Macmillan Miles Challenge.

"We're delighted, to receive the award," said community manager Hilary Al Rasheed. "It gives a sense of value to the work we're doing."

The arts excellence category was won by the English Symphony Orchestra. The organisation, now in its silver jubilee year, was behind last year's successful Elgar Festival and performs regular concerts nationally and internationally.

"We're very pleased," said chairman Ben Holland-Martin. "All the publicity is very beneficial to us, especially as we're a charity, not a business."

Wycheway Country Walks, run by Malvern couple Sandra and Derek Starkey, picked up the tourism award.

The company provides guided and self-guided walking holidays.

"We're thrilled," said Mr Starkey. "We hope this will encourage people to spend more than a day in the area, Worcestershire is a wonderful county and there's so much to offer."

Specialists in automatic weighing machinery Euroweigh, from Martley, picked up the award in the production category.

Established in 1977 by Adrian Bond, the company has exported equipment to more than 75 countries.

"We're pleased to say the least," said Mr Bond. "It's great news."

The overall winner and top entry in the innovation award category was Malvern-based Dytecna.