AS you might expect, The Rocking Horse Shop romped to victory – and it was by more than a nose.

The shop, in Fangfoss, won the Chairman’s Business Award for firms under 50 employees at a ceremony at The Spa, Bridlington.

The awards were one of the last official events to be hosted by Coun David Rudd, before handing over the reins of the chairman’s office at East Riding of Yorkshire Council to Coun Kay West.

Individuals, companies and community groups were recognised and honoured for being the best in the East Riding across a range of categories, from built heritage to the economy and from environment to social well-being.

The shop, established in 1975, designs and makes rocking horses. It has a visitors’ centre, restores horses and supplies plans and books. It also runs three-day carving courses, and offers timber packs and high quality accessories.

Owner Jane Cook employs ten members of staff, one of them the third generation of a family to work at the shop, She said: “The Rocking Horse Shop provides a pleasant place to work and we value and appreciate our employees. This award is great recognition for our company and will be cherished by all our staff.”