Family friendly businesses across Berkshire have received awards - after thousands of parents and carers across the county voted for them.

The Little Ankle Biters' Awards were the result of a brainwave by former Vodafone colleagues Michelle Cairncross from Maidenhead and Kate Gregor in 2017.

The idea was born out of their frustration as two mums with four children and two dogs between them, who got tired of trawling the Internet and social media to seek out places to take them.

The company they set up now provides an information service about family friendly venues to families and carers in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Warwickshire via its website and social media channels.

All contents are written by editors who are also local mums.

Michelle and Kate hosted an award ceremony live via Instagram after receiving responses from parents and child carers asked to name their favourite 'family friendly' places to go.

Windsor Castle received more votes than any other category finalist to win the Best Family Attraction award, closely followed by Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead - winner of Best Theatre and Best Party Venue awards.

Jane Corry, chief executive and artistic director Norden Farm, said: “We are so excited to receive the award for Best Theatre and Children’s Party Venue from Little Ankle Biters. Putting on great shows, events and parties for children and families is what we love to do and getting this recognition makes us very proud.

“Although our physical doors are sadly closed right now, we’re still welcoming everyone online where we’ve got a host of digital activities including a full summer holiday programme for children and young people. We look forward to seeing all the Little Ankle Biters fans on the other side of Covid, back at The Farm.”

Michelle Cairncross, co-founder and editor of Little Ankle Biters Berkshire, said: “Congratulations to all finalists and especially to our winners and runners-up. This year really was very competitive as Berkshire has so much to offer children. We hope the exposure gained from the Little Ankle Biters’ Awards will help ensure our family friendly community continues to thrive during these uncertain and challenging times.”