A RECORD number of entrants are competing in Malvern's biggest ever business awards.

Companies are in the running for the £1,000 top prize and nine other £500 awards as part of the Malvern Hills District Council's Platinum Awards.

The awards, in their fifth year, honour excellence in retail, service and manufacturing sectors as well as work in the arts and tourism and business start-ups.

New categories have been established to acknowledge the best community project and voluntary organisation.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony, to be held in the Forum at Malvern Theatres on Tuesday (April 15).

Organiser Adrian Field said: "Everything is geared for a superb evening celebrating the diversity and excellence which businesses and community groups have in the district.

"The judging panel, comprising of key members of the local community, was delighted with the quantity and quality of the applications from all around the district.

"The ceremony is the ideal occasion to showcase the excellence which prevails in this area and an opportunity to show to others what is often kept behind closed doors."

West Midlands MEP Malcolm Harbour, whose portfolio includes industry, trade, the single market and e-commerce, is expected to attend the awards along with around 200 local business people.