HEXHAM-based drinks company Fentimans has been awarded “national champion” status in the European Business Awards.

The competition attracts thousands of entries from across the UK with only 50 companies gaining the status each year for their contribution to British exports.

Fentimans will now go head-to-head with other European companies for a chance to win one of 10 prestigious award categories which cover customer focus, environmental sustainability and entrepreneurial flair. The next stage of the awards will be judged next year.

Eldon Robson, managing director at Fentimans and great grandson of original brewer, Thomas Fentiman, said: “We’re a small family run business where everyone works very hard to make Fentimans the company it is today.

“It’s a great achievement and an honour to be recognised at this level.”