INDEPENDENT traders have received recognition as the focus of this year’s Ashton Town Team Awards.
Over 900 nominations were entered online for the awards, exceeding the number received last year.
The category which attracted the most entries was Health and Beauty.
Mary Haworth won the Hair and Beauty prize, New Shu claimed the Fashion/Footwear accolade and Cathedral Jewellers were the winners of the Jewellers category.
Ashton Farmhouse Deli won the Fresh Food trophy, Gibsons Music Store came out on top in the Specialist Retail category and Jason’s Artificial Flowers won the Market Trader prize.
Market Grounds Cafe were the winners in the Cafe/Takeaway category, Cards Galore won the Floral, Cards and Gifts accolade and The Hidden Kitchen won the New Independent Business trophy.
Ashton Market business Spec Tackle was also presented with a Town Team award chosen by its Deputy Chair, Councillor Bill Fairfoull.
The Town Team’s Chair said the awards demonstrated “once again the incredible variety of independent businesses in our town centre”.
Kevin Taylor BEM added: “The Town Team are proud to highlight the quality and value offered from our local businesses in the town centre and inside our market hall.
“With the building works on the Market Ground due to commence soon, the businesses will appreciate your support more than ever.”