The team at Tong Garden Centre are celebrating after being crowned Job Creator of the Year at the eighth annual Bradford Means Business awards.

Tong, who beat stiff competition from fellow Bradford businesses BASF and The Canteen, was rewarded for having played an outstanding role in boosting employment in the Bradford district through innovation, investment and risk-taking in the face of tough economic conditions.

Of the win, Tong Garden Centre co-owner, Mark Farnsworth said: "We are proud that our success over the last three years has created job opportunities for 120 local people and it's very satisfying to have our achievements acknowledged and rewarded by our local business community."

Organised by Bradford Telegraph & Argus in partnership with Bradford Council and the Bradford Chamber, the awards have become the highlight of the business calendar in the district. The winners were announced at a ceremony at the Aagrah Midpoint Suite in Thornbury last week.

The Job Creator of the Year award was sponsored by Bradford Chamber of Commerce.