ESSEX buys 25 per cent per head more D-size and above bras, has the greatest chance of injury from falling aircraft debris - and boasts the highest number of entrepreneurs of any English county.

These revelations as to what makes Essex special were offered to the audience at the Essex Countywide Business Awards ceremony by Steve Brooks, chairman of the judges.

Now in their ninth year, the Countywide Business Awards highlighted the achievements of those who contribute to making Essex the leading county for new and growing business - and one of the most prosperous parts of Britain.

Mr Brooks, an entrepreneur who runs the Halstead-based Concessions-Online, said: "The standard is higher every year. Once again, as judges, we have been deeply impressed by the level of creativity, innovation and energy shown by Essex businesses of every type and size, and the people who set them up and run them."

Entrepreneurs and their guests from across the county formed the 700-strong audience which packed the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, for this year's black-tie dinner event.