A FAMILY whose farm shop venture was crowned Evening Press Business Of The Year 2005 has clinched prestigious accolades at our sister paper's awards ceremony.

The Machins, who run the Balloon Tree Farmshop And Caf in Gate Helmsley, beat off strong competition to be named Gazette & Herald Business Of The Year 2005 as well as Retailer Of The Year.

Digby Machin, who is a director with his wife, Jill, and sons, Matthew, 28, and William, 26, said the win was "absolutely fantastic".

Judges unanimously identified the business as the "crme de la crme", agreeing that it demonstrated strong growth coupled with a dynamic, confident and professional approach.

Mr Machin credited the success to the range of fresh products on offer.

"They are hard to find and it's difficult to do when you've got a whole range of soft fruits and produce," he said.

"A lot of that is down to the excellent systems Matthew and William have put in place."

Updated: 10:01 Tuesday, December 13, 2005