FORMULA One champion Damon Hill was in Marlow last night to present the Bucks Enterprise Awards.

A glitzy ceremony at the Crown Plaza Hotel celebrated business in Buckinghamshire - described last night as "the entrepreneurial heart of Britain”.

Hill, a former racing world champion, also accepted an award for Silverstone racing cicuit - which scooped a gong for 'Economic Impact'.

The home of the British Grand Prix is commonly referred to as a Northamptonshire circuit but lies "mostly" in the north of Bucks.

Hill joked: "I've crashed in Northamptonshire a few times...so I prefer the Buckinghamshire side.

He added: "Silverstone is a beacon for British entrepreneurship and industry and the British Grand Prix attracts global audiences."

"It provides a huge economic boost and I'm pleased it's been recognised."

High Wycombe company Mediplus, which manufactures medical devices, took two awards, for Innovative Enterprise and International Trader of the year.

Bucks New University was hailed Enterprising Educator of the year, with John Lewis taking the Corporate Social Responsibility title.

The Small Enterprise award went to Smile Design Dental Practice of Wendover and Dave Brieth of O-bit Telecom in Loudwater was Entrepreneur of the year.

Peter Hoare took the Young Entrepreneur of the Year title for his 'Hocus Focus' film camera and Cressex based fairtrade coffee suppliers Peros were given the Large Enterprise award.

Chiltern Railways picked up the Five Star Outstanding Contribution Award.

The event was organised by Buckinghamshire Economic & Learning Partnership (see link).