A RECORD-BREAKING number of entries have been sent received for a competition designed to reward outstanding business and voluntary work in the Malvern Hills.

Malvern Hills District Council asked firms and voluntary organisations to submit 500 words detailing why they should win one of its Platinum Awards.

Adrian Field, who organises the competition for MHDC, said he did not know how many entries had been received by last Friday's closing date but that it had certainly been more than ever before.

"It has been brilliant, to be honest," he said. "We've broken all records."

He added that entries were evenly distributed across the categories, which include manufacturing, retail, service, technology, the arts, tourism and business start-ups, as well as one overall prize. New this year are awards for community projects and voluntary organisations.

The judges, whose identities are being kept secret, met on Wednesday to discuss the entries but the winners will not be announced until the prizegiving ceremony at Malvern Theatres on April 15. All those who enter the competition will be invited.