Halstead's best shops were celebrated at the district’s inaugural 2014 Business Excellence Awards.

The awards, of which the Gazette is a partner, are designed to celebrate best practice from businesses across the Braintree district.

The ceremony took place at Prested Hall in Feering on Tuesday, with a number of businesses from Halstead and the surrounding villages among the winners.

Darkins Supply Stores, in Sible Hedingham, won the Independent Business of the Year award.

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