The inaugural gala night for a major new business awards has taken place - recognising the value of apprenticeships.

The East Kent Apprenticeship Awards took place to recognise the individuals, businesses and organisations that are championing apprenticeships in the east of the county.

More than 80 people gathered to discover the winners at The Yarrow Hotel in Broadstairs - a venue owned and operated by the EKC Group which uses the plush venue as an opportunity to give youngsters and apprentices at its colleges the chance for some valuable work experience.

The evening was hosted by Kent Online’s Chris Price, and the winners were announced across 12 categories, including the coveted East Kent Apprenticeship Champion of the Year award.

Creative and digital agency, Pillory Barn, organised the awards in association with EKC Group.

Managing director of Pillory Barn, Miranda Chapman, said: "It was great to see so many people gathered together to celebrate apprenticeships. From the achievements of young people to the businesses championing this valuable route into employment, it was a wonderful evening.”

Paul Sayers, executive director of strategy and partnerships at EKC Group said: “It was a delight to see the apprentices and employers being recognised and celebrated. We’d like to thank every employer and provider who put forward nominations and congratulate all of those who won.”

Discovery Park, Pfizer, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce and the KM Media Group all supported for the awards.

The winners were:

Business of the Year: Health and Beauty

Bodylines Salon, Sittingbourne

Business of the Year: Business Administration

Furley Page Solicitor

Business of the Year: Hospitality and Retail

The Cook Kitchen, Sittingbourne

Business of the Year: Construction and Engineering

John Eaton, Dover

Public Sector Organisation of the Year

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust

Apprentice of the Year: Health and Beauty

Emily Baxter

Apprentice of the Year: Business Administration

Taryn Nanjiani

Apprentice of the Year: Hospitality and Retail

Joe Bailey

Apprentice of the Year: Construction and Engineering

Tommy Tyrer

Apprentice of the Year: Science and Manufacturing

James Mills

Apprentice of the Year: Public Sector

Sotiris King

East Kent Apprenticeship Champion of the Year

Paul Winter