A County Durham food truck named after its owners' daughter is preparing for the biggest night in its history as it bids to be crowned National Takeaway of the Year.
Millie Moo's Roasts, based in a Winston lay-by, will compete in November after winning County Durham's Takeaway of the Year and reaching the national finals of England's Business Awards.
Owner Michael England said the recognition means a great deal after spending three years building the business from the ground up and earning hundreds of glowing customer reviews along the way.
The food truck takes its name from Mr England's daughter, Millie, and has become a popular stop for drivers and locals looking for roast sandwiches, breakfasts, coffee and homemade food.
Now, with the national final just weeks away, Mr England is making a final push for votes while waiting to find out how he measures up against the country's best takeaways.
He said: "It's nice to finally be recognised.
"I've worked in pubs, restaurants, cafes, hotels and schools over the years, and this is something I've built myself.
"It's my face behind the business, but it's named after Millie and that makes it even more special."
The business recently celebrated its third anniversary and has built a loyal following since opening in September 2023.
Customers have praised everything from its breakfasts and roast sandwiches to its coffee and customer service, helping it rack up more than 250 reviews on TripAdvisor.
Mr England said: "I'm amazed by how many five star reviews we've had.
"I'm so grateful for them because it shows we're doing something right.
"The support from customers has been unbelievable."
Mr England believes the work the business has done to support charity campaigns and local causes may also help its chances.
As part of the build-up to the awards, he has also highlighted the story behind the business's name.
His daughter Millie was born around 11 weeks premature after her mother Anna faced serious complications during pregnancy.
Her mother Anna's pregnancy was considered high-risk following a miscarriage two months earlier, and she began experiencing complications at eight weeks.
At 26+3 weeks, doctors performed an emergency C-section after concerns the baby was in distress.
Anna was placed under general anaesthetic due to rapidly declining health, and doctors warned the family to prepare for the worst.
Thankfully, both Anna and Millie survived.
Millie was put straight on a ventilator and had to have a tube in her lung as it had collapsed, spending four weeks in hospital in Sunderland before being transferred to Darlington Hospital special care baby unit.
Mr England said the family story remains at the heart of the business.
You can vote for Millie Moo's Roasts here: Vote
The national awards ceremony takes place in Birmingham, with finalists required to attend in person to be eligible for the prize.
Despite the travelling costs and time away from the van, Mr England said reaching the final alone has made the journey worthwhile.
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He said: "I am so grateful to have the experience of being in a national final. That's something I never imagined when I started.
"Whatever happens, we're proud of how far we've come."
The business has received 100 per cent "excellent" ratings on TripAdvisor, with customers praising its made-to-order food, value and friendly service.
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