THE storm clouds of recession may be hanging over the county but the spirit of enterprise is alive and well in Herefordshire.

The county was elected as runner-up in the final of Enterprise Britain last night at a reception at 11 Downing Street.

Robert Blower, press officer for Herefordshire Council, said: “This means we go through to the European final and it’s good for Herefordshire.

“I think we have done amazingly well given who we were up against.”

Representatives from Herefordshire met in London last night along with those from 11 other regional winners.