A START-up Exmoor business has been recognised with a prestigious award at this year’s Royal Bath and West Show.

Tripps of Somerset received a bronze medal for best non-agricultural trade stall at the show, which showcases the best of the Westcountry’s rural enterprises.

The up-and-coming home fragrance company Tripps of Somerset has only been in business for a year, since owner Tracey Tripp quit her previous job as a hygiene consultant.

Tracey started making candles as a hobby about about seven years ago before taking her leap of faith and going it alone last year.

She said: “Due to my high-pressured job, I needed an outlet for my creativity as part of my wellbeing.

“The joy I had when I would light a candle helped change my mood.”

Now, the candle-making hobby has turned into a full-time business which she runs from home in Withiel Florey.

“The Bath and West is a huge show with so many traders,” said Tracey.

“I was so chuffed to win the bronze award for best stall for non-agricultural. This is a huge step in the right direction.

“Everybody commented on the scents coming from the stall.

“Fifty per cent of my customers are men, as I try to cater to all different noses.

“I focus on the well-being side of the business with sustainability.

“I used to buy expensive candles but would end up being disappointed due to the black soot or wastage.

“Most candles on the market are made from paraffin, which is made from petroleum.

“A lot of these candles end up in landfill and take up to 500 years to decompose.

“All my candles and wax melts are made from rapeseed and coconut wax which are water soluble and biodegradable.

“What has really taken off is my wax melts, which are plastic-free and wrapped in a biodegradable, compostable wrapper.

“Each bar is really affordable and lasts over 60 hours per bar, and they smell delightful.

“I took a huge leap of faith last year and it has gone from strength to strength.

“I now even make candles for well-known companies.”