AN events company from Okehampton has scooped a major national award at this year's UK Events Awards.

Historical Promotions and Event Management organises historical and cultural events for local authorities, historic properties, museums and show and festival organisers. The firm picked up the best large event award for a 'Roman and River Festival' event they organised on behalf of Bedford Borough Council. The company also received a highly commended award for best educational event for 'Life in the Mesolithic', which was filmed by National Geographic Channel and has been screened across the UK, Europe and America.

The company's managing director Rob Butler said: 'Winning the award is an endorsement for small companies working outside London and the south-east and is fantastic news.  Historical and cultural events celebrate our heritage, but also bring enormous economic, social and educational benefits for local communities which is testament to the awards received.'