A business awards ceremony has returned after a three year absence - and honoured Covid heroes for their efforts.

Organsiers Dartford council were joined by Falklands war hero Simon Weston CBE at the Dartford Business Awards at Bluewater last Thursday, October 13 to thank frontline workers for their response to the pandemic.

The Covid Heroes awards were presented to a range of organisations by Simon, including an award to the caring profession, accepted by Darent Valley Hospital, and to schools and teachers, accepted by North Kent College and the Leigh Academies Trust.

The award to the transport sector was collected by local bus firm Arriva, and the award for the resilience of town's retailers was accepted by Bluewater and the Esquire's Coffee Shop.

During the event, frontline workers also spoke about the struggles they faced during the pandemic.

After celebrating the Covid Heroes, awards were handed out to local businesses who have continued to thrive despite the hardships caused by the pandemic.

The winners of Dartford Living Customers' Choice Award were Jas' Holistic Massage Therapy, We Are Beams, Dartford Sports Bar, and Fleetdown Open House.

The Best Owner Managed Business was awarded to Jay's Carpet Cleaning and Rhizome Energy Limited.

Erin Lambie of Doubletree by Hilton, and Jacob Horiggan of Downton & Ali Associates were honoured with Young Person of the Year, and Kelly Monitcello of Sally Bees won Employee of the Year.

Shop of the Year was awarded to Dennis of Bexley, Cocoba Chocolate and Mappin & Webb Bluewater.

Crowds at the ceremony were also entertained by surprise guest, Former X Factor runner-up, refuse collector and bus driver Andy Abraham.

Leader of the council Jeremy Kite said: “It was essential that we brought the Dartford Business Awards back to celebrate the individuals and companies that make the Borough such a great place to work.

“However, we couldn’t just go back to business as usual, we had to thank the inspiring sectors who worked so hard for all of us, whether they were saving lives, protecting us from infection, or just keeping the lights on and the bins clear.

“I’d like to give a special thank you to Simon Weston CBE for attending. It was an honour to have him there alongside our local heroes and he continues to inspire to this day, 40 years after his injuries were suffered in the Falklands.”

Dartford council would like to thank all of the event’s sponsors: Amazon LCY3, Bluewater Shopping Centre, Cohesion Plus, Dartford Borough Council, Dartford Living, Europa Worldwide Group, LAT Apprenticeships, Leigh Academies Trust, Made in Kent Radio, North Kent College, Oxford Innovation Space, The Learning Shop, The Nucleus Business & Innovation Centre, Thomson Snell & Passmore, and Urbaser.