YORK Cocoa House has been crowned the winner of a national awards scheme beating competition from more than 2000 businesses across the country.

In a ceremony at London's Milbank Tower this afternoon the business was named the winner of the Local Business Accelerators scheme.

Sophie Jewett, who founded the chocolate shop and cafe in Blake Street two years ago, will now receive a year of mentoring support from Dragons Den star Deborah Meaden.

York Cocoa House was also presented with £10,000 to help the business grow as well as an iPad, broadband services, and an advertising campaign by a London agency.

The Local Business Accelerators scheme, spearheaded by the Newspaper Society, saw The Press offer three new businesses the chance to win free advertising and business mentoring from leading figures in York.

The winning three York businesses were put through to the regional finals, competing against other young firms across Yorkshire, with York Cocoa House being selected to represent the county at the national finals today.

Speaking at the awards Ms Jewett said: "I'm so overwhelmed. It is such an honour to win this award and I'm really looking forward to working with Deborah Meaden to take the business forward."