Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas was celebrating last night after winning a major honour at the Oxfordshire Business Awards.

Mr Thomas, 38, claimed the Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year title following a successful season both on and off the pitch.

Meanwhile, a company which specialises in the supply of Land Rover parts and accessories all over the world was crowned the Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire Business of the Year.

Allmakes 4X4 based at Milton Park, near Didcot, took the top prize after impressing judges with its growth in a highly competitive field.

The company was started in 1977 and took off when it launched its export business. It now employs 110 staff.

And it was a double celebration for bosses after it was also named the NatWest Large Business of the Year.

Meanwhile, Paul Lindley, founder of Henley-based organic baby food business Ella’s Kitchen, was named the Shaw Gibbs Business Person of the Year.

He set up his business following the birth of his daughter Ella when he realised there was a gap in the market for healthy food for babies. Now he distributes his range to supermarkets all over the country.

Other winners included Michael O’Regan, co-founder of software firm Research Machines, who was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. His Milton Park-based company, now known as RM Education, also picked up the B-Line Customer Care Award.

A total of 15 awards were presented in front of 500 guests at the Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford.

ROLL OF HONOUR:

Blenheim Palace Business of the Year: Allmakes 4X4, Milton Park

Shaw Gibbs Business Person of the Year: Paul Lindley, Ella’s Kitchen, Henley

Shaw Gibbs Young Business Person of the Year: Kelvin Thomas, Oxford United, Oxford

The Locus/Oxfordshire County Council Sustainability Award: Bekstone, Burford

The Oxford Times Charity and Community Award: SpecialEffect, Charlbury

The Blue by Darbys New Business Award: Polythene UK, Witney

The NatWest Large Business Award: RM Education, Milton Park

The Oxford Brookes University and Business School Innovation Award: Stewart Milne Timber Systems, Witney

The Bottle PR Social Media Award: Jack FM, Oxford

The Four Pillars Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Award: Aston Pottery, Aston

The Heart Small Business Award: Sporn Construction, Stratton Audley

The Ice Energy Renewable Business Award: Lime Technology, Milton Park

The Champion Recruitment Training and Staff Care Award: Integration Technology, Upper Heyford

The B-Line Customer Care Award: RM Education, Milton Park

Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael O’Regan, RM Education