BANGOR businesses were given a boost after an incredibly difficult year, when the local public voted in inaugural business awards.

The awards were organised by Business Improvement District: Bangor First, to celebrate the hard work and the contribution of the many great businesses on Bangor High Street, which is especially relevant after such a difficult year.

With more than 300 High Street businesses, in the first instance the public nominated businesses in each of the twelve categories, before voting on a shortlist to decide the winners.

More than 1,000 votes were received, although initial plans to hold a charity presentation evening were curtailed due to the Covid 19 crisis, each winner received a beautiful, engraved glass trophy to keep and display on their premises.

Chairman of Bangor First, Pamela Poynton, said: “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for High Street businesses, with a number of notable closures as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We felt it was important to recognise the hard work of each and every business on the High Street after such a difficult year.

“Asking the public to vote was a great way to engage with people and bring their focus back to the High Street and the diversity of shops and businesses we have in Bangor.

“Every winner has been absolutely overwhelmed to receive the award, it’s given businesses a huge boost after such a difficult year, not just the winners, but all our great businesses who have shown determination, hard work and creativity during this unprecedented year.”

The categories and winners were: Best Takeaway, Valla's Chippy; Best Café or Restaurant, Clio Lounge; Best Retail Outlet, Debenhams; Best Hairdresser, Danny's barbers; Best Health & Beauty, Beauty at Superdrug; Best Office or Professional Service, Polka Dot Travel; Best Pub, Clio Lounge; Best Customer Service, Garden Cantonese Restaurant; Best Use of Welsh, Mrs M.W Williams Opticians; Best Tattoo and Piercing, Jules Tattoo; Best Overall Multi-National Store, Debenhams; Best Overall Independent Busines, Williams and Goodwin.