An Italian resturant has been shortlisted for a national award.

Vercelli, in Hexham, has been named as a finalist in the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) awards.

The business is nominated in the category of small business awards for Family Business of the Year. 

The FSB awards help celebrate the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self-employed across the UK.  

From sole traders and micro businesses, to those with substantial workforces, the awards have attracted a large number and range of entries and has been established as a highly-valued platform within the small business sector.  

The nomination highlights the hard work and dedication of Vercelli's team members and the achievements of the business which first opened in 2008 and was taken over by Jordan Dodwell, who was the head chef.

Last year, the company was awarded £26,500 from Northumberland County Council in partnership with Historic England to improve frontage and signage. 

This was part of the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) scheme, which is to revitalise the town’s historic centre making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work, invest and visit. 

The work to the restaurant included the installation of new bi-fold doors and a canopy, new signage and paint work.

It was deemed important to improve the site as it is a grade II listed building dating from 1776 and occupies a prominent position within the Hexham Conservation Area.

HSHAZ is part of a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England.

Speaking about the nomination, Ali Armstrong, partner of Vercelli said: "We applied mid-January and received our shortlist on Thursday February 2.

"It is an honour to be nominated for such a fantastic award.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without such a brilliant team behind us and the continuous support from all of our customers."

The company will be attending the awards on March 10, at the Hilton Gateshead in Newcastle.