A milk powder producer has been named as the national winner of a prestigious European award.

Kendal Nutricare, based at the Lake District Business Park, was chosen from over 2700 businesses as the UK winner of the Chairman’s Selection Award at the 2019 European Business Awards.

The company, which was chosen by a panel of independent judges including business leaders, politicians and academics, was also named as 'One to Watch' at the awards.

It will now represent the UK in the European awards in Warsaw, in Poland, in December.

Kendal Nutricare uses powdered milk to produce a range of nutritional products.

These include milk formula for infants and adult meal replacements.

Chief executive Ross McMahon said: “It is a fantastic achievement to receive such a prestigious award, and a wonderful capstone to what has been a remarkable period of growth for the business.

"To be recognised nationally is a great milestone for the entire Kendal Nutricare team and we look forward to the all-European stage of the awards process.”

Adrian Tripp, chief executive of the European Business Awards, said: “This is a significant achievement and Kendal Nutricare is an outstanding leader in their field.

"To be chosen as a national winner means you show great innovation, ethics and success and are one of the best businesses in Europe.

"We wish Kendal Nutricare the best of luck in the final round.”

The next round of judging will take place in Warsaw on December 3 alongside a summit on business issues.

There will also be a ceremony to announce the overall category winners for the 2019 European Business Awards.

Kendal Nutricare exports its products across the world, including to Africa, the Far East and China.

Ross bought the factory from Heinz about four years ago and has since taken on more staff and plans to continue investing over the coming years.

This year the European Business Awards considered over 120,000 businesses from 33 countries.