A FAMILY-RUN business in County Durham has gained national recognition for its contribution to an operation supporting servicemen and women.

Newton Aycliffe-based PWS’s Blood Sweat and Tears project in aid of Help for Heroes has been crowned Challenge of the Year at the Business Charity Awards this month.

Up against the likes of Lloyds Banking Group and The Royal Mail, the kitchen distributor was commended for raising £314,000, which will go towards Phoenix House Recovery Centre, in Catterick.

Mark Stephenson, chief executive officer for PWS, said: “To stand out among large companies is something very special and is testament to the commitment and energy of everyone connected with the challenge.

“It was truly inspiring to witness the creativity and hard work put into this project by staff, suppliers and customers alike, all of whom played a role in its success.”

Mr Stephenson led the endurance-cycling team of staff, friends and veterans over 320 gruelling miles of 22,000ft climbs across South Africa in April 2016.