More than 90 nominations were received for an online business awards events that has been organised by Shepton Mallet Town Council.

Announced in June in response to the cancellation of the Mendip Business Awards, the Shepton Innovator Awards are an online business awards event organised by the council, and nominations were open from June 11 to July 30.

Members of the public and business owners were able to nominate businesses they believe deserve recognition.

There are eight categories of award, reflecting the variety of businesses found in Shepton Mallet and surrounding parishes.

Businesses from Pylle, Prestleigh, Evercreech, Pilton, Oakhill, Croscombe and Doulting are all eligible for the award.

At the time of closure, 94 nominations had been received. Some of the nominations were particularly moving, demonstrating how much these local businesses are valued by their customers.

Town councillor Gavin Mayall said: "As a council, we felt the need to move swiftly to introduce this award as now more than ever we need to champion our local businesses and praise them for what they do for our community."

The nominations will now be considered by a panel of independent judges and the finalists will be announced on August 20.

The judging panel consists of five members:

• Kelly Knight, economic development officer at Mendip District Council
• Justin Sargent, chief executive of Somerset Community Foundation
• Claire Sully, technology and training business owner
• Alan Stone, business owner and chair of Shepton Mallet Chamber of Commerce
• Helen Sprawson-White, chair of Mendip District Council