The vote has shut for the Havering Small Business Awards 2024 after an "impressive response" from people in the borough.

Havering Council announced the vote has closed after thousands plumped for their chosen finalists in this year's awards.

More than 8,400 people in Havering voted over a six-week period to choose from businesses that nominated themselves in 2024.

The final round shut on Friday (July 19) and votes are now being counted, the council stated.

Ray Morgon, Havering Council leader, said: "The response to the awards has been really impressive and I want to thank everyone that took the time to vote for their favourite Havering business.

“It continues to reflect the significant and positive role that all our businesses play in our borough," he added.

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Three businesses with the most votes in each category will be invited to a celebratory event this September.

The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and event sponsor Wates, the council's housing partner.

Categories include Best Take Away, Best Shopfront and Best Tradesperson.

Cllr Morgon added he was looking forward to congratulating the winners later this year.