THE Port of Dover was named Kent Company Of The Year at a glittering awards ceremony.

The top award was announced at the Kent Business Awards dinner held at Saga Pavilion, Folkestone, and hosted by writer and broadcaster Simon Fanshawe.

The port won the award for the best company with 100 or more employees, sponsored by Kent County Council, for its achievement in fighting off cross-Channel competition.

It invested heavily in facilities for the booming cruise market and its traffic now exceeds that of Eurotunnel and Ramsgate combined.

The event was attended by 350 business and civic leaders and winners were chosen by a high-powered panel of judges headed by leading Kent businessman Graham Webb, chairman of the haircare products company Graham Webb International.

"These results show that business and industry in Kent is in good shape," he said.

"The judges were really impressed by the quality, flair and entrepreneurial spirit of competitors."

Kent Business Awards are supported by Fortis Bank, which provides a wide range of corporate banking services.

The panel of judges included independent judge Trevor Sturgess, business editor of the KM Group, one of the sponsors of the awards, which are created and organised by The Priory Partnership Ltd.