Chamber News:Wiltshire companies have scooped awards in two ceremonies that recognise the best in the business.

The Learning and Skills Council and Skills4business hosted the Skills Awards 2006 at which Robert Aldous, of Chippenham firm Avon Vale Training picked up the award for Trainer of the Year.

Chris Powell, of Hygrade Foods, also based in Chippenham, collected the award for her company's Commitment to Skills for Life Training.

The Wiltshire Business of the Year Awards also recognised high achievers in the world of commerce.

The award for Outstanding Excellence, sponsored by Veale Wasbrough Lawyers, went to Howard & Sons, of Devizes.

The firm, which reconditions tractors and sends them to Africa, were also runners-up in the International Trade category.

The top award in this category, sponsored by the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, went to Romarsh, designers and manufacturers of specialist transformers and inductors, based in Calne.

More pictures on page 7.