BOSSES of Medway's top small business collected a £2,000 cheque for their firm's triumph -- and promptly gave it away.

David Ward and his team from Ward Security celebrated their achievement by donating the prize to Demelza House children's hospice at Bobbing, near Sittingbourne.

It was the first time in the 19-year history of the Medway Small Business Awards, the premier contest for small enterprises in the Towns, that the winner had pledged to hand their winnings to a good cause.

Taking a break from the firm's champagne celebrations at Rochester Corn Exchange, Mr Ward said: "It's a fantastic achievement and we're delighted with the prize. But we're going to donate it to Demelza House.

"We believe that if you give as much as you receive, it carries on going that way. Two thousand pounds in our company would be very nice but Demelza House will be able to use the money as well as if not better than us.

"We've all got children and we are very lucky that they are all very healthy. Some of them aren't so fortunate."

Ward Security, bought out of liquidation by brothers David and Kevin Ward three years ago, has boosted turnover to £3m.

Employing 120 staff, it provides security services, including patrol dogs, to clients in London and the South East. It is widening its reach to other parts of the country and aims to become a national player and increase turnover by at least £1m a year.

Ward Security just beat the £3m turnover rule for entrants. Mr Ward added: "The good news for the competition is that we won't qualify for the awards next year!"

Announcing the result, Paul Saunders, senior business banking manager for Lloyds TSB Bank and chairman of the judges, said they had been "captivated by the way they've managed to involve all their staff so closely to drive the business forward”

Thirteen finalists, who each received a framed certificate from the Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Nic Bowler and Tracey Manley, managing director of the North Kent Chamber of Commerce, were kept on tenterhooks until the results were announced Oscar-style just after 10pm.

Other awards went to parcel distribution company Beeline Sameday (runner-up and £1,000 prize), Sammy's Bridal Company (third/ £750), Magic Moments (special community award/£500), and Crystal Curtains and Blind Manufacturers (best start-up business/£500).

This year's business night of the year was a glitzy occasion, with a starry backcloth and a hi-tech video presentation of each of the 13 finalists filmed and edited by students at Kent Institute of Art and Design.

A record audience of more than 200 enjoyed a four-course meal including hicken provencale and Death By Chocolate.

Ian Kirkpatrick and David Bracey, founders of The Fountain Workshop in Chatham -- a past Medway Small Business of the Year -- told the audience how good Medway was for the development of their business.

"For us, Medway is a most vibrant and developing area and we are delighted to play a part in that growth," Mr Kirkpatrick said.

Cllr Rodney Chambers, leader of Medway council, paid tribute to the diversity and success of small business in an area which has 8,000 small firms, 6,000 of them employing fewer than five people."

He said: "We have great plans for Medway, ladies and gentlemen, and we ask you to join us in he exciting times ahead."

David Jones, Medway Messenger's community editor and master of ceremonies, said the awards had started in 1984 following the naval dockyard closure and the loss of 7,000 jobs.

Since then, around 1,000 firms have entered the awards, many going on to even greater success.