THE cream of Keighley and Airedale's business community will be recognised in a glittering annual awards ceremony.

Companies across an area stretching from Cross Hills to Shipley are up for accolades, in ten categories.

And one of the winners will be crowned Overall Business of the Year.

Organisers of the sixth Keighley & Airedale Business Awards say the judging task has been the toughest for years.

There were a record number of entries.

Businesses, covering everything from manufacturing to food and drinks, will discover on Friday (June 29) if they've picked-up an award.

A presentation night, hosted once again by TV presenter Harry Gration, takes place at Victoria Hall in Keighley.

Howard Martin, co-chairman of the awards team, said: "The awards are organised by businesses – and those who help businesses – to broadcast success from across Airedale.

"We are intent on promoting the wealth of talent in the business community."

The big winner at last year's awards was Silsden-based sleeping bag and outdoor clothing manufacturer Snugpak, which scooped three honours plus the top title.

The then-Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Abid Hussain, was so impressed with what he saw at the ceremony that he invited the organisers, sponsors and winning businesses to a reception at City Hall.

Sponsors of this year's awards include Keighley Business Club, Snugpak, Keighley Training Consortium, Cosurica, Keighley College, Rotherwood, AWB Charlesworth, Airedale Enterprise Services, The Alternative Board, Blacks Solicitors, Keighley Town Council, Cavendish Business Centre, Bradford Council, the Airedale Shopping Centre and ad:venture.

Steve Burles, co-chairman, said the support was testament to the level of business currently being carried out in the Aire Valley.

"Everyone I have spoken to has a positive outlook for this year and the years ahead," he added.

"It's also good to see businesses in Leeds taking an interest in the awards.

"Half of our sponsors are new this year and others have repeated their sponsorship, for which we are grateful. Both Bradford Council and Keighley Town Council also continue their support."

For more details and results, follow the awards on the Keighley & Airedale Business Awards Facebook page or on Twitter via @KeighleyBA.