BUSINESSES have been rewarded for their part in a fundraising campaign backed by the Post.

The Nottingham Post NSPCC Business Challenge asked firms to raise as much cash for the charity as possible, with prizes on offer for the most successful.

Chris Brown, chairman of the East Midlands Child's Voice Appeal fundraising group, said their efforts had been "absolutely tremendous".

Prizes and certificates were handed out to the winning teams in a ceremony at the Cross Keys pub in Weekday Cross, in the city centre.

The pub gave their function room free of charge in support of the Business Challenge, which raised thousands of pounds.

Lace Market-based independent financial advisors Investment Sense gained first place, having raised £3,654 with a variety of social events.

They received a meal for eight at Jamie's Italian, Cineworld tickets for a year and 30 tickets to a Nottinghamshire CB40 cricket match at Trent Bridge.

In second place, after raising £2,177 with a variety of events, was SLR Consulting, based at Aspect Business Park in Bulwell.

Staff at the environmental consultancy will receive eight tickets to Just the Tonic comedy club and a pair of tickets to see Batman Live at the Capital FM Arena.

SLR also took the prize for most innovative fundraising idea, after powering their office for a day with specially adapted bicycles. They win 30 tickets to Trent Bridge for this.

The prize for the best individual contribution went to Stewart Lenton.

He is one of SLR's technical directors and raised more than £1,000 with a 260-mile bike ride over hills in Northumberland. He won two tickets for Calendar Girls.

In overall third place was ABP Services, in West Bridgford, which raised £2,008 with a family fun day and charity football match.

They receive eight tickets to Glee comedy club and 20 tickets to Trent Bridge.