A TRIO of local businesses have been toasting their success after being named as winners in the West Somerset Free Press Business Awards competition for 2013.

Tim Ollerenshaw of Minehead's Fitness Station won the Men in Business category, while fellow Minehead entrepreneur Viv Doyle of Express Euro was voted as the winner of the Women In Business section.

Local blacksmith Kyle Roberts saw his business, Allerford Forge, win the Families in Business award.

Tim opened the Fitness Station in 2011 and has seen it go from strength to strength since then.

His gym offers people top rate customer care, combined with a good selection of exercise equipment.

Across at Express Euro, Viv also puts customers first, buying and selling commission-free currency at good rates.

She set up the business nine years ago having previously run a building society agency - and a guest house - in the town.

And in Allerford, the team at the National Trust Allerford Forge has built up an enviable reputation for quality, both locally and nationally.

In business for the last three years, Kyle and his brother Kieren are supported by a number of blacksmiths and metalworkers and take on projects ranging from agricultural repairs to historic restorations and architectural commissions.

The 2013 West Somerset Free Press Business Award were sponsored by Watchet Glass and Glazing Ltd, with support from Francis James.

Numerous businesses from across the district were up for honours, with the winners decided purely on the number of votes received from Free Press readers.

People were asked to fill out a nomination form detailing why they believed their chosen nominee should win an award - with all three winners receiving glowing praise from their customers!

This year's competition was also supported by Minehead Chamber of Trade and the group's chairman Graham Sizer said all local businesses had every reason to celebrate.

"The average vacancy rate in towns is approaching ten per cent. In many it is much higher.

"Minehead has the lowest rate for ten years and, as readers and residents, we should be proud of this achievement.

"Just to have survived the last five years as business people, I feel we all deserve some award!" Mr Sizer said.

The winners were presented with their awards by Free Press advertising executive Bernie McLoughlin.