Walford Timber based near Ross-on-Wye and Caplor Energy, which is located in Fownhope, were two of the four finalists shortlisted for the Herefordshire Diamond County Award.

The two other companies shortlisted from among 40 nominations were Cargill in Hereford and Kingspan near Shobdon. The winner was revealed on Friday as Cargill but Herefordshire Council's chairman Councillor Olwyn Barnett said that all the finalists were winners. She said they are all doing exceptional work in their local communities.

The awards were set up in the Diamond Jubilee year to celebrate the county's most exceptional businesses, who have demonstrated a real commitment to making a positive difference in the local community.

The award received over 40 nominations from councillors and residents across the county for a range of businesses large and small. The nominations were considered by a judging panel of Neil Kerr, chairman of the Herefordshire Business Board, Philip Round, chief executive of Herefordshire Group Training Association and Paul Deneen, former chairman of Herefordshire Policing Board.

After a difficult shortlisting session to select the 'best of the best', the panel decided on four companies they felt epitomised the award by making a difference in the local community. Councillor Olwyn Barnett, chairman of Herefordshire Council said: "Following on from the success of the Diamond Day awards held last year to commemorate the Queen's visit to Herefordshire, we wanted to recognise and celebrate local businesses which go that extra mile to add value and improvement to the quality of life for people in the county. It is an unfortunate fact that often this level of commitment and determination goes unrecognised, but this award aims to redress this imbalance."

"I am delighted with the response we received from across the county and it is a privilege to be involved with such a worthy award, which celebrates the good work our businesses do every day in communities across Herefordshire. I would like to thank everyone who made a nomination and truly hope we can repeat the success of this year's award in future years and recognise even more businesses which make a difference."

Neil Kerr, chairman of the Herefordshire Business Board, said: "The judging panel had the unenviable task of selecting only four finalists from the numerous worthwhile nominations received. We were extremely impressed by all four of the shortlisted companies, as each one is making a major contribution to the life of our county and going well beyond their sphere of business operation. They are all making a selfless and genuine commitment to enhancing their community and we were truly privileged to spend time with each of them."

For more stories in full please see this week's Ross Gazette.