The Westmorland Gazette Business and Tourism Awards took place tonight - see our live coverage of the event here.

The glittering event, held at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel, highlights businesses which make a vital contribution to the local economy.

Managing directors, tourism chiefs and entrepreneurs from across the region submitted more than 120 entries as they competed for 11 separate titles.

Judges whittled hopefuls down to 33 shortlisted entrants, who were all represented at the awards ceremony.

The awards have been sponsored by some of this area’s well-known companies and were hosted by North West Tonight presenter Dianne Oxberry.

Guests were entertained by 1985 World Championship snooker champion Dennis Taylor.

Live updates

The awards were presented from 10pm, compered by Diane Oxberry.

The results were published below as they were announced on stage.

The categories

- The awards are supported by United Utilities.

Hotel of the Year

- Sponsored by Natwest
Castle Green Hotel, Kendal
Holbeck Ghyll, Windermere
Wordsworth Hotel, Grasmere.

Place to Stay

Long Valley Yurts, Kendal
A Corner Of Eden, Kirkby Stephen
The Hideaway, Windermere.

Innovation and Technology

- Sponsored by Gilkes
Marl International, Ulverston
Technijet, Kirkby Lonsdale
Expro Connectors and Measurements, Ulverston.

Retailer

Age UK, South Lakeland
Herdy Company, Kendal
Reticule, Kendal.

Training and Development

- Sponsored by Kendal College
Expro Connectors and Measurements, Ulverston
Quaker Tapestry, Kendal
Lakeland Climbing Centre, Kendal.

Team

- Sponsored by Furness Building Society
St Mary's Hospice, Ulverston
Kendal Mountain Festival, Kendal
Kendal Register Office, Kendal.

Green

- Sponsored by United Utilities
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Ambleside
Glen Rothay Hotel, Rydal
Nurture Lakeland, Staveley.

Small Business

Hawkshead Relish, Hawkshead
Lakes Speciality Foods, Staveley
Kendal Mountain Festival Community Interest Company, Kendal.

Social and Community Development

Kendal Judo Club, Kendal
Quaker Tapestry, Kendal
Impact International, Windermere.

Tourist Attraction/Tour Operator

- Sponsored by Armstrong Watson
Ullswater Steamers, Ullswater
Mountain Goat, Windermere
Lakeland Climbing Centre, Kendal.

Business of the Year

- Sponsored by CLB Coopers Chartered Accountants
Expro Connectors and Measurements, Ulverston
Lakes Speciality Foods, Staveley
Marl International.

Don’t miss next week’s Westmorland Gazette newspaper, which will include a supplement revealing the winners and packed with photographs and stories from the night.