Thousands of people chose North East England based Berghaus in the 2015-16 BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards, from a shortlist of 10, and crowned the company Outdoor Brand of the Year. The BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards celebrate the countryside and its people, putting the spotlight on 11 categories. Over 120,000 votes were cast by the public and the North East enjoyed multiple successes, with awards also going to Bamburgh Castle (Landmark of the Year), Northumberland (National Park of the Year) and Hadrian’s Wall (Heritage Site of the Year). The full list of winners and runners-up is available on www.countryfile.com.

Berghaus staff at Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland, testing kit during a sales launch

Richard Leedham, Berghaus brand president, comments: “Everyone at Berghaus is delighted, not only that we have won this award, but also that the region where we are based has performed so well. Over the years, many of the products that have helped us to win these successive BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards have been put to the test in Northumberland and our team certainly agree that it’s a wonderful part of the world. Berghaus turns 50 in 2016 and this award is a lovely way to start the birthday celebrations.”

Berghaus staff walking alongside Hadrian's Wall

Matt Swaine, of BBC Countryfile Magazine, adds: “Berghaus is a great winner for this award. I’ve been using one particular bit of its kit for the last 15 years and it is still the first item I pack when I’m heading to the hills. Berghaus produces great kit with exceptional technical performance that is just right for outdoor adventures in the UK and beyond. The team there puts superb design thinking into everything they do and that is what makes the brand a very deserved winner of this award.”