TAVISTOCK retailer Fairway Furniture was named 'Family Business of the Year' at the Herald Business Awards in Plymouth, beating off stiff competition for the coveted award.

The awards, which recognise excellence across a number of areas, are for companies who have their headquarters in Plymouth. Nominations represented the very best of the business world in the city and the awards were presented at a glittering dinner in the city hosted by broadcaster and writer Esther Rantzen.

The company, which was founded in 1856 by John Harding in Plymouth, has survived world wars and numerous recessions to continue to flourish. Now managed by the sixth generation of the family, the company operates from four retail sites across Devon and Cornwall, backed by a centralised distribution facility near Plymouth.

Managing director Peter Harding said: 'This award is recognition of the incredible drive and determination of all generations of the family to have worked in and managed the business.

'It is also a testament to the dedication of the staff who have worked for the company throughout its long history.'