A CREDITON businesswoman says she is "thrilled" to have been recognised with a national award.

Nicole Flanagan, who has run Vagabonds milkshake bar at 109 High Street, Crediton, for the past two-and-a-half years, was presented with a Venus Business Women Award at the national finals held at Audley's Wood Hotel in Basingstoke, Hampshire.

Nicole (25) was one of 22 national award winners and received the "Employer Category" award.

Previously, she was the South West Region Award winner and she said she could not believe it when her name was announced as the national winner.

She explained: "It was the people of Crediton who voted for me which saw me get the regional award, so I am really grateful to them.

"A judging panel selected the national award winners and it was such an honour to be recognised in this way."

Nicole previously worked at a milkshake bar and, after being made redundant, made the decision to open her own milkshake bar.

Nicole added: "Vagabonds was the result, and it has been a huge success story."

Vagabonds sells 160 different flavours of milkshakes, Oreo and Kinder Bueno being the favourites.

She makes the milkshakes while customers wait.

Also available and popular are smoothies, yoggies, hot drinks, retro shakes, waffles, ice creams, American sweets and American chocolate.

In addition, Vagabonds can provide in-store children's parties and attend events such as parties and weddings.

Nicole also has plans to expand the business in the near future.

Nicole's national and regional award and certificate of recognition can be viewed in the milkshake bar.

Alan Quick