Two Maldon businesses have been crowned Muddy Award Winners for Essex, with another six listed as finalists. 

The Muddy Stilettos Award names itself as one of the most coveted awards for small independent businesses across the country.

In 2024 they gave awards to businesses across 21 categories and 28 counties, with all winners in with the chance of winning at the national finals in July.

At their Essex award ceremony May 2, two Maldon based businesses celebrated a win.

Aesthetics of Essex, based in Maldon, Upminster & Rayleigh, took the award for Best Beauty Salon/ Clinic, while TEMPRD Chocolate, based in Heybridge, won Best Local Food/Drink Producer.

In a post on Facebook, Aesthetics of Essex said: "We won best beauty salon/clinic in Essex!

"Thank you all so much for your nominations and votes, it really does mean the world to us.

"We hope to see you all in our Upminster, Rayleigh and Maldon clinics soon!"

Other Local finalists included:

• Ginny's Cocktail Lounge, Maldon (Best Bar)
• The Farm Café by Black Pig, Maldon (Best Café)
• Dreamy Play Days, Southminster (Best Children's Activity)
• New Hall Wine Estate, Purleigh (Best Local Food and Drink Producer)
• Grape Passions, Witham (Best Wine and Beer Specialist)
• Willow & Fox, Maldon (Best in Women's Fashion)

The national awards received 515,000 votes in total, with over 10 million reach across the eight week nomination period.