STATESIDE Foods, which is based on the Wingates industrial estate at Westhoughton, is one of the sponsors at an industry awards ceremony.

The company, which employs nearly 500 people in Bolton and Skelmersdale, is sponsoring the Overall Industry category at the Pizza, Pasta and Italian Industry Awards to be held in London on November 15.

The ceremony attracts contenders from all spheres of the industry including Marks and Spencer, Asda, exclusive Italian restaurants and independent pizza takeaways. TV personality Ruby Wax will make the presentations.

Guy Sabini, UK sales and marketing director, said: "As an expanding company with an ever-increasing range of products and clients, Stateside Foods is very happy to be sponsoring the Overall Industry Award.

"We are looking forward to a very enjoyable evening and the opportunity to acknowledge both individual and corporate entrants of the highest quality."