A BUSINESS has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for sending hundreds of hampers to hospitals to thank NHS workers.

Secret Hamper, based in Beckingham Business Park in Tolleshunt Major, has been shortlisted for a Small Business Britain ‘Heart of Gold’ award.

More than 750 hampers have been delivered to ten hospitals with more than 40,000 locally sourced items.

The Secret Hamper made it possible by inviting businesses and individuals to sponsor the delivery of the baskets.

The business has also raised more than £10,000 for charities.

Witham’s MP Priti Patel visited the business to congratulate them for their work.

Nigel Richardson, managing director of Secret Hamper, said: “Priti’s interest in what we are doing is very much appreciated and we enjoyed briefing her about our NHS not-for-profit initiative and the company’s full product line.

“We are a growing business and having our local MP saying good things about us is a real bonus.”

Ms Patel said: “I was impressed to hear about what Secret Hamper are doing in regard to supporting the NHS’s unsung heroes and I wanted to hear more.

“It was also an opportunity to find out about the company’s other hamper products and how the business is progressing.”