TWO Malvern Hills firms have finished in the top three in a regional heats of a national business competition.

PR and marketing company Mears Communications, of Upton-upon-Severn, and glassware designer Susan Nixon, of West Malvern, had already done the district proud by being picked to represent Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

But they went one better on Tuesday, when the results of the South West heat of the Shell LiveWIRE Young Business Start-Up Awards were announced in Bristol.

Mears finishing in second place and Susan Nixon third.

The competition was won by Rob Gambrill, of Hampshire-based furniture makers Saffreys, who will represent the South West in the national finals, where top prize of £10,000 is up for grabs.

Caroline Mears, who runs Mears Communication with her husband Darren, said she was still hopeful they could secure the last spot in the finals as best runner-up in the ten regions.

"We're delighted with our performance," she said.

"We were also awarded the title of Most Enterprising New Business in the South West and there was just one point between us and the winner."

Mrs Mears said she hoped the company's performance in the competition would now help to further its success.

"It really is a good achievement to have that Shell name. Shell is a multinational company and to have them supporting us in this way and recognising us is great," she said.

The final will be held in London on June 18.