Independent bicycle retailer Pennine Cycles rode off with the Retail, Hospitality or Leisure Business of the Year award.

Based on Thornton Road, Bradford, the firm makes its own frames and describes itself as "a proper bike shop". Its mission statement is: "We envision a world where every person enjoys the freedom of riding on the open road."

Owner Paul Corcoran, himself a mad-keen cyclist who rode 100 miles on the Sunday before the awards, has had the business for 16 years. He said the firm had been in existence for 69 years in total, formed in 1946 by Johnny Mapplebeck and Geoff Whitaker.

Paul's love of cycling started after he sold his car as a 20-year-old and bought a bike from the shop he now owns. He initially started to work at Pennine when the shop was busy, until he was asked to manage the business.

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The 56-year-old said: "It is a job that I love. I am fortunate that my hobby is my job - how many people can go to work passionate about what they do?"

On winning the award, a delighted Paul thanked a special person, saying: "It is absolutely fantastic, I just cannot believe it. I must thank my wife Sandra and all the people who have supported me throughout the years, especially my customers, who have seen a great service hopefully.

"I am proud that people have seen that we offer a good service. It makes the hard work seem worthwhile. It is a great moment."

He added: "We adore our customers, cycling, family, keeping fit and our cycling heritage. Our mission is to ensure cyclists have fun on their bike."

Highly commended by judges were The Record Cafe, which is on North Parade, Bradford, and Shimla Spice restaurant in Shipley.