Small businesses owners from across the South West are to be recognised for supporting and encoring each other during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched its Volunteer Champions awards to recognise its members' hard work over the past year with special consideration for their efforts during the pandemic.

The member-led organisation has more than 23,000 members across the South West and many of them have stepped up to offer practical support and advice for fellow members.

FSB South West chairman Lee Nathan said he had been impressed by the work volunteers had put in and felt it was right to recognise them.

He said: ''Throughout the pandemic our amazing volunteer members have worked alongside our local staff and membership advisors to provide a huge amount of help and encouragement to fellow SMEs going through this most challenging of times.

"I am so pleased to see these awards have been set up to recognise that work and we hope there will be many volunteers from this region who are rewarded as part of the scheme."

All FSB members will have the right to nominate volunteers and will be receiving full details.

National chairman Mike Cherry said: "I've been hugely proud of our volunteer and staff teams who, through unprecedented times, have gone above and beyond to support the FSB, our members and the wider small business community.

"I'm delighted that our Volunteer Champions Recognition Awards provide a great opportunity to offer a well-deserved thank you to all our volunteers for their amazing levels of support."