Exemplary care

ALAN Hardy (former Oldham Athletic chief executive, right) presents the award to County's End Veterinary Practice

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BUSINESS category winners County's End Veterinary Practice were definitely best in show when they joined fellow business finalists on stage in front of a cheering audience.

The Lees-based vets were nominated by grateful client Janet Allen from Springhead for going above and beyond what was expected in terms of pioneering diagnostic techniques, exceptional care for all creatures great and small, and exemplary customer care for their owners.

Joanna Bednarska, owner and vet, was joined by senior vet Katie Ford and practice manager Ian Wolstenholme on stage as they collected their trophy from former Latics chief executive Alan Hardy.

She said: "We're a bit shocked with the win but very happy.

"Everyone in our category was so deserving."

Katie said: "We didn't expect it because its our job but its very nice.

Focused
"We take our work really seriously because we now how much it means to people and their pets."

Martha Want and Kim Shaw, who received multiple nominations for their caring, customer focused service at Diana's Sandwich Bar in Tommyfield Market, were thrilled to be category finalists.

Martha said: "It was nerve racking going up on stage but totally overwhelming to be a finalist.

"The customers really make the job so we're really proud to be here tonight."

Fellow finalists Chris Hodson, owner of Shaw Autopoint, which was nominated for going the extra mile and offering 'brilliant' customer care, said: "We're first time finalists so this is a big congratulations to the whole team.

"We're not disappointed that we didn't win, I'll be hanging up our certificate in pride of place on my office wall."