The relentless rise in popularity of escape rooms proved the winning formula at the Gravesham Business Awards.

Taking top prize on the night, which celebrated commercial endeavour in the district, was The Panic Room - one of a rising number of entertainment venues which pit users against the clock in a race to solve a host of puzzles and escape.

The venue in Berkley Crescent, which opened two years ago with no funding, has now established itself as one of the county's best with a manager and 30 staff.

Runner up was Austen Allen Homecare.

Based in Northfleet and owned by Nina Allen, the company provides social care for Gravesham residents using health care professionals.

Third place went to the Revitalize Health and Fitness Clinic which offers osteopathic care for injuries and pain, personal training and sports massage therapy as well as supporting the public by providing free health and fitness advice.

A special People’s Choice Award went to Forget-me-not Vintage & Crafts.

For the past three years Sarah Cheshire's business has become a local community hub enjoying a regular customer base.

Chair of judges Keith Mason, of chartered accountants Barnes Roffe, said: “The judges were very impressed with the quality of the applicants in this, the first year of the Gravesham Business Awards.

“The level of knowledge and commitment displayed by the owners was truly extraordinary and talking to them about their businesses was an absolute pleasure.”

Apprentice of the Year went to Elleese Mason of Orange Property Services.

Other finalists included; Evergreen Healthcare's The Hollies, Gravesend Trophy Centre, Nick Building Contractors, Orange Property Services, Sealeys Estate Agents, Safia’s Beauty Bar, The Windmill Tavern and UCargo.

This year’s sponsors were: University of Greenwich, Barnes Roffe, Handleshanken, KM Media Group, Kuflink, Gravesham council, Rise Communications, Hatten Wyatt, Caxtons, Partnership Invoice Finance, GK Coffee Group (Starbucks), and SoftForge.