AN ENTREPRENEUR from the Wee County this month celebrated 10 years in the property trade.

John O'Malley, of O'Malley Property, celebrated a decade in business by treating his staff, friends and family to a night at Inglewood House and Spa with an awards ceremony.

While the company has grown out of Clackmannanshire, John wanted to emphasise he is a Wee County lad and the headquarters of his business will always stay here.

He said: "The local community of Clackmannanshire has been really good to me and it will be somewhere I'll always come home and it'll always be the home of O'Malley Property as well, so when we celebrated the 10 years we really did want it to be here, where we are from."

Despite the struggles through recession, John kept the business going and growing

When he set out a decade ago, John's dream was to become the best estate agent in Scotland.

He added: "I'm willing to work for it and that's what's showing, I think, with O'Malley Property.

"I am hoping that it goes from strength to strength, but one thing is for sure: myself and my team will continue to work every day, like we have done in the past 10 years, to continue to grow the business and make it the company people thing of when selling their home."

With 150 guests it was an evening to remember for John, who said: "It was a fantastic night, I couldn't have been happier.

"There was all our friends and family turning up, it wasn't about networking or anything like that, it was really about getting all our friends, family and everybody who's made a difference to either me or my staff in one room and having them celebrate with us."

Serious and fun awards went out to staff with John adding: "Also, a few fun games for some of the people in the middle.

"I had a twerking competition for some of my friends because they thought they were going to get away with it without getting embarrassed."

Karen Ray won Employee of the Year while Lynn McGhie was recognised for nine years' service, meanwhile the award for Best Performing Office went to Stirling.

Scott McKay was the worthy winner of the twerking competition.

Giving a nod of appreciation, John said: "Inglewood House was unbelievable, they put on a great event, they really helped me out with planning.

"Thank you to them and I would also just really like to say thank you to all my staff over the years, all my friends and family for putting up with me and still speaking with me and all the clients past, present and future."