WHEN Brian Richards, managing director of revolutionary rail firm Omnicom Engineering, arrived at work today, he still could not believe that his venture had been voted the 2003 Evening Press Business of the Year.

Brian showed off to his 61 staff the gleaming glass trophy which proved that his organisation, in Tadcaster Road, York, was Light Years Ahead - the theme of this year's competition

Then he said: "We honestly didn't go to last night's awards ceremony expecting to win. We were against formidable opposition. I am totally thrilled, totally amazed and very pleased for us all."

There were cheers and whoops of joy when compere Colin Hazelden, of BBC Radio York, first of all announced that Omnicom had won the Best Use of New Technology Award.

Its OminSurveyor 3D software is linked to a camera-bristling, all-seeing all-measuring single diesel unit which roves Britain recording everything on and around the nation's rail network, so that maintenance workers can accurately and safely "virtually inspect" for faults.

There were roars of approval and popping Champagne corks at the Ebor Suite at York Racecourse when Omnicom was announced as the winner of winners out of 12 categories.

Nearly 300 people were welcomed to last night's annual awards ceremony by Kevin Booth, editor of the Evening Press. It was the climax of five months of tension as judges deliberated over a record number of entries.

Guest speaker Christopher Garnett, chief executive of York-based GNER, gave insights into what it was like to run a public service as a private operator.

There was huge applause for the choice of Professor Tony Robards, pro-vice chancellor for external relations at the University of York as the first ever recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Updated: 10:39 Friday, November 21, 2003