WINNERS of the inaugural West Country Women Awards were announced at a Grand Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth.

More than 320 guests, finalists and sponsors from across the South West attended the event to celebrate and recognise women from all walks of life ranging from health to women in sport, combatting violence against women and girls to green business of the year.

The hosts were Alexis Bowater and Tess Stuber, co-founders of the West Country Women Awards.

Alexis Bowater said: "I have run women in business networks and awards here in the South West for ten years now.

"The last were just for business, but this time we decided to make it about everybody's business, so we introduced new categories, hoping to encompass and reflect more of our lives, in and out of the office."

The awards' charity of the year was Trevi House and, with the help of the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Sue Dann, more than £2,000 was raised on the night.

Tess Stuber said: "When we started these awards little did we realise what the overwhelming response would be."

There were more than 1,079 nominations of women across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, 90 semi finalists, 50 finalists and16 winners.

Richard Stevens, managing director of headline sponsors Go South West, said: "We were delighted to support the West Country Women Awards.

"The evening celebrated and showcased inspirational women from across the region from a diverse range of businesses and enterprises.

"I was blown away by the calibre of talent and drive we were privileged to witness.

"I believe that the legacy from the awards will benefit our communities, through showcasing amazing role models for girls and women."

Among the West Country Women Awards ambassadors was Taunton's Trish Caller, who judged the Best Supporting Act, Jade Scott, Tracey Duke, Jo Lines, Clare Palmer and Lisa Bailey-Brown.

WEST COUNTRY WOMEN AWARDS WINNERS.

Women in STEM, sponsored by MSubs Ltd, Olivia Smedley - Goonhilly Earth Station.

Green Business Award. sponsored by LHC Design Susan Willis and Kate Richards - The Queens at 46.

Combatting Violence Against Women and Girls, sponsored by The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Hannah Shead - Trevi.

Inspirational Leader sponsored by Ward Williams Associates Emma Hewitt - Plymouth City Council;

Woman in Tech Sponsored by Real Ideas Tanuvi Ethunandan - Data Duopoly;

Employer of the Year Sponsored by St Austell Brewery Natalie Crouch - Peaky Digital;

Women in Sport Judged by Sharron Davies Emma Collings - Barnes - Mount Kelly;

Employee of the Year Sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson Sarah Newberry - YMCA Plymouth;

Woman in Health Sponsored by Plymouth & Exeter Science Parks Catherine Lewis - Aardvark Occupational Health;

The Phoenix Award Sponsored by Michael Spiers Jewellers Sophie Alway - Georgia's Voice;

Best Supporting Act Judged by Genius Events Fiona Lee - Safeguarding Associates;

Small Business of the Year Judged by Plymouth Citybus - Go Southwest Samantha Jackman - Boost innovations;

Women in Construction & Property Sponsored by Building Growth South West Carole Barnes - C2 Project Safety;

Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored by Continuum Alex Kelly - Waymakers CIC;

Diversity and Equality Sponsored by The Plymouth Charter Ana Tereza da Silva Barbosa Richards - Devon County Council.