THERE were two winners in the Chairman's Special Award category for businesses that make outstanding efforts to support the community around them.

The Cottage in the Wood, The Foley Arms and Colwall Park Hotel won for a joint application, as the Malvern Independent Hotel Group.

The hotels joined forces in 2002 to promote the Malvern area and themselves.

This was achieved by hiring a public relations expert to organise promotions and creating a joint website.

The group also advertised nationally, devising specialist breaks such as the Elgar Break in conjunction with local partners.

The judges felt the group had made a positive difference to their own businesses, the Malvern Hills area and the future of Malvern.

Iain Nesbitt, proprietor of the Colwall Park Hotel, said: "I'm extremely delighted that our effort has been recognised and I hope more people in Malvern will get together to encourage more tourists to visit the area."

Access Ramps and Rails of Hanley Swan also received a special award from council leader Don Pearce.

The company provides bespoke handrails, ramps and other adaptations for the disabled and elderly community.

Former Age Concern handyman Pat Loader and his partner Roger Halford first set up the business in March 2003 and undertook 250 adaptations in their first 10 months.

"We're very pleased," said Mr Loader.

Asked why his business deserved the award he said: "If somebody's got a problem, we'll do our best to overcome it and we'll go and advise on what can be done for them individually."