Prime Minister David Cameron has congratulated regional newspapers in supporting the local economy as they named the winners of a scheme to find the most promising young firms in their areas.

The Newspaper Society’s Local Business Accelerator initiative, backed by Deborah Meaden from Dragon’s Den, was set up in October and saw 500 newspapers offer free advertising to businesses who proved to be the most dynamic.

The PM took to Twitter to congratulate the winning businesses which included an entrepreneur who wants to roll out a chain of organic nurseries in York, as featured in The Press newspaper.

One business will be crowned the overall national winner and receive mentoring from Ms Meaden. They will also receive a substantial allocation of free advertising in their local newspaper and mentoring from local business leaders.

Said Mr Cameron: “Congratulations to all the winners of the Local Business Accelerators scheme. It’s brilliant that so many promising young companies, from such a wide range of sectors, are benefiting from this excellent initiative.

“Entrepreneurship, creativity and ambition are essential for our economic recovery and through Local Business Accelerators, local newspapers are supporting some great new British businesses to grow, and helping to boost their local economy.”

Other winners included a communications firm which scooped the Derbyshire based Ilkeston Advertiser’s top prize while an animation studio, house sign design and a pet funeral service were the Kent Messenger’s top businesses.

The Northern Echo chose a young fashion entrepreneur whose clients include footballers and pop stars as the winner of their competition and the Blackpool Gazette selected a green energy firm which helps cut costs and power needs.

Added Mr Cameron: “I wish the newspapers, businesses and their mentors every success over the coming months.”