A PUB company launched from scratch in 1999 featured highly in the UK licensed trade's top awards ceremony.

New Century Inns, which owns 40 ale houses in the North-East and Yorkshire, collected a silver in the Pub Company of the Year 2003 Awards (11 to 99 pubs category).

The accolade was recognition of the rapid growth and success of the group started by Tees Valley entrepreneur Alistair Arkley. He said: "This award is very special because we are judged by our peers from within the industry. It is an accolade to the hard work and vision of everyone within the company."

New Century Inns doubled its annual profit before tax to £600,000 in the last financial year and is on course for its target of owning 100 pubs in the next few years.

The awards ceremony was organised by the Morning Advertiser, a leading drinks trade magazine.