A CARE home operation and a golf holiday specialist were among the York businesses to take centre stage at a national awards scheme for family-run ventures.

More than 300 family businesses and guests descended upon Shakespeare’s Globe in London for the sixth annual Red Ribbon Awards, celebrating the achievements of Britain’s finest family-run businesses.

Among the 11 winning businesses was York-based Riccall Care, which was crowned the winner of the Charles Russell Speechlys ‘Family Factor’ award.

The judges said: "The sector that they compete within is a challenging one and has received such bad press over the last few years.

"It is great to see that such high standards of care do exist and are thriving and that they can also be profitable businesses providing employment and investment in the local community.

"Secondly, the family dynamics and strengths in supporting one another in the business really come across in everything they do. In the eyes of the judges, they definitely have the Family Factor."

Mike Richards, director of Riccall Care who accepted the award on the night, said: "Winning the award was amazing, overwhelming and totally unexpected.

"There were some very well-known national family businesses and their owners present on the evening and to even be considered in the same breath as them is an outstanding achievement and great recognition for our entire team."

Also given mention on the night was York-based Glencor Golf, which was awarded the Commended for Excellence’ certificate in the ‘Family Business of the Year’ category.

Also shortlisted in the Family Business of the Year category was York ice-cream maker Yorvale and Hunmanby-based Wold Top Brewery.