I PRODUCED the Essence Style and Beauty Awards event at Tavistock Town Hall on Sunday September 14.

There were so many people involved with the show, it was impossible to publicly thank absolutely everyone on the night. So, I am hoping you will be able to help me extend my thanks to one and all.

First and foremost, to my mum, Janet Neil, for all her hard work, support and dedication to Essence, stage manager Mel Summers. Working with Mel to make the show run smoothly was Becky Lees. Presenters Lawrence Mason and Jodi Walker, who had never done anything like that before, shone on the night like real stars.

My thanks to front of house manager Jon Lees, who headed up the front of house team with Pete Doswell and Andy MacDougall, to Caroline Chapman, who choreographed the entire show in only two hours, to DJ, Jeg, who took charge of the tunes with style and panache. Clockwork Audio put on an amazing light show. Thanks to my door team, run by Ju Jitsu Tavistock's Umberto Bergonzini, Brett Sweatman and John Bremner, to VIP hosts, Kara Hook, Hannah Moore and Lucy Lane and to Siobhan who helped all the contestants in the dressing area. Big thanks to Richard Wright who suppled a vital piece of sound kit at the last moment, and to Glen Duff, Brad Harvey and Wayne Smalley, who hosted an after-show party at Jack Chams.

Singer Sophie Mendoza and the Just4Funk break-dancers were absolutely amazing.

Our judging panel was headed up by West Devon Borough Cllr Adam Bridgewater, who was joined by Glen Duff, Kate Blamey, Kirsty Maddock, Marcus Cummins and Kiri Taylor.

I must thank all the sponsors - The UK Hotlist, The Tavistock Catering Company, Jack Chams Lounge Bar, Seiren Lingerie, Number 13 Ladies Fashion, Tavistock Treasures Ebay Store, Pebbles of Tavistock, Tavistaff, Randell Cox and Orchard Dance Studio. Maximillian Hair and First Glance Beauty Studio did an amazing job with the contestants' pre-show hair and makeup styling. My gratitude also to Plush Bohemia for sponsoring Essence at the eleventh hour.

Thanks to the town hall staff, especially Dave, Dwayne and Jasper.

Ben Neil