Enterprising schoolgirl Emily Duffy is celebrating after her fledgling business won a special award.

The 12-year-old was presented with a special prize at the first Banbury Women in Business Awards after impressing judges with her cracking little company selling eggs from her own flock of hens.

Emily, who lives in the village of Alkerton, said: “When I went to receive the award at the ceremony it was really scary.

“They said they had never thought of having an award for children and next year they are going to create one for young people.”

Emily looks after a flock of nine hens which lay five eggs a day in her garden. She then sells to friends and neighbours before and after classes at Sibford School in Sibford Ferris.

All takings are re-invested into the business and she is looking to expand her flock with the help of ten-year-old brother George.

Proud mum Linda said: “It is a very simple business but emily has really taken the initiative.”

Jayne Lees, <<ok>>of organiser and sponsor Spratt Endicott solicitors, said: “Whilst Emily was too young to be put forward for any of our awards, her story was so inspirational, and brought a tear to our eyes we could not let her story go untold.

“So we decided we would like to give her a certificate as recognition of her hard work.”

Emily was able to stand proudly shoulder to shoulder with top north Oxfordshire business women to receive her specially created prize.

Other prize winners at the ceremony in the Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, included Angie Hill of JHS Solar Solutions, Banbury (Environmental Sustainability); Vivienne Cudahy, <<ok>>Auteur, Deddington (New Business); Michelle Sutton, Butterflies Healthcare, Banbury (Established Business); Alison McCormack, <<ok>>Brethertons, Banbury (Inspirational Woman within a Business) and Aneesa Verjee-Lorenz, <<ok>> Pharmaquest, Bloxham, (Inspirational Woman Business Owner) Ms Lees added: “There are some incredible businesswomen in Banbury and we are delighted to be celebrating this amongst the business community. This year’s awards were so successful that we are already planning the conference and awards for 2012."