Six very different businesses are in the running for a top business award.

The Best Commitment to the Community category is one of the most hotly contested groups as the Sutton Business Awards, which is sponsored by the Sutton Guardian.

The inaugural winners will be announced at a black tie gala dinner and awards ceremony at Epsom Downs Racecourse on Thursday, May 10.

The six businesses in the running for the award are: CareFirst24 Ltd, a Wallington-based home care provider and nursing agency set up by Mahen Caussyram, who has worked his way up since starting work as a domestic cleaner in a Sutton nursing home in the 1980s.

Senior care manager Malay Serafica said: "We wish to be recognised for our outstanding service to our domiciliary clients, the London Borough of Sutton, Surrey County Council, local Primary Care Trusts and the local community."

Eco-actif Services CIC, which operates out of Sutton and Carshalton, working with the local community to provide innovative solutions to social exclusion and worklessness. Amanda Palmer-Roye said: "We hope the awards will highlight the often unsung work that work that we do and help to increase economic activity in the borough."

Insideout Life, Sutton-based emotional health and wellbeing specialists who deliver mindful stress management and wellbeing programmes into schools, prisons and local businesses. Founder Kathryn Lovewell said: "As finalists of the Sutton Business Awards we welcome the opportunity to raise awareness of the desperately needed and vital work that we do."

Penta Consulting, a global IT and Telecommunications staffing solutions business with its head office in Wallington and a commitment to employing young local people aged 18-24.

Training & development director Kris England-Smith said: "We are proud of our success at home and abroad and have a clear strategy to recruit locally to fuel our growth plans."

Theo the Magician, a member of the Magic Circle, who has supported many charities in the Sutton area as well as working in partnership with local business.

Mr Theodoris said: "I believe everyone should do their little bit in the community and by doing so, both businesses and community will benefit immensely."

Sutton United FC, for their United With the Community Scheme which has expanded community involvement in recent years including work with community organisations and schools.

Chairman Bruce Elliott said: "Entering the awards gives us the opportunity to emphasise our commitment to working with local people and to outline how we would like to progress in future."

Ross Feeney, Business Awards Director said: "This occasion provides the ideal opportunity for showcasing excellence and the benefit that recognition brings to the growth and development of all Sutton businesses."

The event, hosted by former Capital FM radio presenter James Cannon, includes a drinks reception and three-course meal while a charity raffle and silent auction will also take place.

For more details call 020 8253 4256 or visit suttonbusinessawards.co.uk