A KNUTSFORD-based card designer has spoken of her pride after being nominated for two national awards.

Bex Hassett, who produces the cards under the name 'Bexy Boo Designs' from a design studio in Mere, has had great success since she started making cards more than 14 years ago.

In the past two weeks she has been nominated for a British Small Business Award, as well as being up for a 'Henrie', a ceremony seen as the Oscars for card makers up and down the country.

Bex was among 10 finalists picked from 600-plus entries in the 'Micro Business Of The Year' section at the British Small Business Awards, for companies of two to nine people who have demonstrated ''strong revenue growth and a product or service that stands above competitors'.

"Having now attended the prestigious national award ceremonies, especially the nomination for the British Small Business Awards, I have felt so privileged to have been chosen to be amongst the small businesses of the future and the driving force of the economy," she said.

"I was chosen for our vast growth and the fact I have a designed a product that is different and stands above others within the publishing industry.

"I am now currently employing six part time staff and four live in Knutsford. I supply the Original Card Company in Knutsford, a leading greeting card gift shop as well as many other greeting card companies in the north west.

"I may not have come home with the trophy at the British Small Business Awards but I am so proud of myself to have even reached the finals.

"It only struck me whilst I was there, the enormity of what I had achieved whilst being surrounded by the most amazing business people, who have been in the industry for years.

"I was the only woman nominated in our category and very few were present throughout the entire award ceremony."

In 2015, Bex picked up a 'Henrie' for the best hand finished card range, just a week after winning the Cheshire Business Award for the best start-up business of 2015.