A MAN recovering from a double heart bypass was overjoyed after finding out he had been crowned the winner of a national award.

Darren Sudbury, from Gosfield, won the best small patio category at the Brett Approved Installer (BAI) National Awards.

Darren runs patio company Essex Elite Paving, also based in Gosfield, and found out about the win while recovering from an operation.

Dad Steve was raising money over the Christmas period for the British Heart Foundation and Children’s Cancer with his stunning festive lights display.

Halstead Gazette: Darren's father Steve continued his Christmas lights tradition last year outside his home in GosfieldDarren's father Steve continued his Christmas lights tradition last year outside his home in Gosfield (Image: Tony Sale)

The latest award is Darren’s eighth in recent years.

He said: “I found out I needed a bypass on September 16 and had the operation on October 6.

“I have only just been able to go back to installing patios and driveways in the last couple of weeks.

“With such an awful end to the year, getting the news that I had won a national award for one of our patios was amazing.

“As a premier Brett-approved installer, we have won many awards over the years, but this one meant a lot after a tough year.”

Darren was crowned winner for the best small patio in 2018, as well as best large patio in in 2020 and 2022.

He has also won regional installer of the year and best creative design.