It's only been nine months, but a couple have managed to open a new store and win a business award.

Sugar Den owners Tracey Hargreaves and fiancé Russell Jones won the new business of the year accolade at the Conwy Business Awards, capping off an exciting start to their business.

They were also a finalist in the small business of the year category.

Tracey said: "We knew we'd been nominated but didn't know we were in the top five.

"Then when they announced we had won, we were ecstatic.

"It just shows all the hard work we've done and we just want to thank all our staff and those that supported us.

"We really enjoy what we do and want to bring something different to the community."

The couple opened the Sugar Den in Abergele in September last year, with the café and sweet shop offering freshly-made crêpes and waffles, ice cream, milkshakes and confectionery.

It also has party facilities for younger children.

The popularity of the store continued to grow as word spread; so much so that a few months later a second Sugar Den was opened in Towyn.

Tracey said it was this community support that had won them the award.

She added: "The reviews people were giving us were amazing. There were so many five stars. We have more than 200 a month.

"We would like to thank all our staff, friends and family but most importantly our valued customers as without them we couldn't have won the award and the feedback since the award has been fantastic with the phone not stopping with parents booking for parties and tables within the shop."

Conwy Business Award judges said they were impressed by the strategic method used by the owners to focus on the needs of both customers and staff.

They also commended Sugar Den on its great customer service, as proved by its outstanding feedback and reviews.