THE Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards are the area’s very own Oscars ceremony for local companies, according to its long running host.

Dianne Oxberry, the BBC North West Tonight weather forecaster, has been the face of the awards for a number of years and has watched it become the most glamorous awards ceremony in the East Lancashire business calendar.

And Dianne said she was looking forward to this year’s awards which is being held at Ewood Park, Blackburn, on November 14.

She said: “The event is always a hugely glamorous one, a true "Oscar" style ceremony which always seems fitting to the grand scale of the business aspiration in Lancashire.

“We see truly local, family companies who have become part and parcel of our every day life, and those who have massive international contracts and are leading the way in their field.

“It's really inspirational to see the breadth and range of talent that exists in this part of the region. Its also great to colleagues being rewarded for their contribution to their companies.

“When you have seen the standard of the nominations and the winners over the last few years its always a bit of a question as to how they can be bettered year on year - but it always seems to be the case that the standard just gets higher and higher. I am really looking forward to it once again.”

With categories such as Recruitment and Development; Innovation; Social and Community development and Technology there are plenty of options for companies in East Lancashire to consider.

• To enter the awards go to www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk and click on the Business Awards icon to download a form.

Once completed, return the entry via email or post completed applications to Business Awards Entries, Editorial, Lancashire Telegraph, Newspaper House, High Street, Blackburn, BB1 1HT.

Closing date is September 19.