AN Ellesmere Port catering company has been named 'Caterer of the Year' at the English Weddings Awards 2023.

Danielle Slater, 54, set up Lillybets Catering in 2014 and Dawn Brady, 44, joined her in 2019.

Danielle and Dawn, along with their team, cater for weddings, christenings, parties and afternoon teas across the region. 

Yesterday (Monday, February 20) the pair, both from Ellesmere Port, found out that they had not only won 'Caterer of the Year' for the North-West region but for the whole of the North of England in the English Wedding Awards 2023.

Due to a last-minute change in venue from Manchester to Heathrow, London, the pair couldn't attend the ceremony due to work commitments, and Dawn receiving heart surgery.

Speaking to the Globe, Danielle said: "We had clients already booked in the diary so we didn't want to have to cancel them.

"It is sad really. We didn't expect to win."

The results were announced online at 11pm last night and a colleague sent the good news to Danielle.

She said: "I woke my husband up to tell him and he thought something was wrong.

"I told Dawn this morning and she was just in tears. I am chuffed to bits. Words just can't describe the feeling.

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"To be recognised for something we love doing is just unbelievable and a complete shock."

Danielle also wanted to thank everyone for voting and using her business.

"They are the ones who voted for us in the first place to get into the final", She said.

"Thank you for using our service and keeping us busy. Without our team we couldn't have done it.

"Our families have been amazing as well. They are so supportive."

The English Wedding Awards

The awards aim to recognise the hard work, dedication, and exceptional service of those who have contributed to making weddings unforgettable and special occasions for couples and their loved ones.

They also aim to inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence in their work.

A spokesperson for The English Wedding Awards 2023 said: "We are thrilled to have been able to celebrate the very best of the wedding industry in England. The winners truly deserve this recognition for their exceptional work, and we hope that their success will inspire others in the industry to strive for excellence.

"Each winner demonstrated exceptional skill, talent, and dedication to their craft, and should be proud of their achievements. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to all the winners and finalists."