THIS year's High Sherriff of Cheshire Enterprise Awards winners have been announced online.

The awards evening could not physically take place this year because of COVID-19, so an online ceremony engaging with businesses was held instead.

The organisers said the awards were only made possible thanks to significant contributions from a broad team of sponsors and judges and added that they are thankful for this support for regional business.

This year's winner of the Best Apprentice Award, Alexandra Nuttall, was sponsored by Malpas firm Barlows Electrical.

Alexandra is a level four business administration apprentice at Hillyer McKeown in Chester and believes she is an enthusiastic and inspiring ambassador, both for her organisation and for apprenticeships.

She said: "I am thrilled to have been chosen as the winner of this year's High Sheriff's Award for Enterprise in the Best Apprentice category.

"I am really supportive of the awards and would like to thank the judges and everyone else who is involved in helping to run them.

"I would also like to thank Hillyer McKeown for their continued support and encouragement.

"Well done to all of the other winners and nominees."

Mark Mitchell DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire, said it was out of the ordinary to announce the awards online, but congratulated all the finalists nonetheless.

"It was an unusual end to the awards this year announcing winners on social media," he said. "Nevertheless, congratulations to all our finalists.

"Thank you to all involved in the awards, especially the sponsors who make this possible with their generous contributions."