A MAN determined to prove that the Cotswolds is not all just red trousers, cute cottages, and hunting dogs, has received an award for bringing out the glitz and glamour in the district.

Oli Christie, CEO at mobile games company Neon Play, was awarded Business and Professional Life Cirencester Ambassador at the Cirencester Business Awards in May for his initiative Rock the Cotswolds.

The judges at magazine Cotswold Life, who sponsored the ambassador award, chose the local businessman for his passion and determination to make others see how cool the Cotswolds really is.

The Rock the Cotswolds campaign has seen members of the public nominate who they think are the coolest and most creative businesses and individuals in the area. After nearly 400 nominations, a final 75 were chosen and celebrated at a glamorous party in Gloucester.

“We have big plans to champion the cool side of the Cotswolds, so we can help to attract talented staff and new start-ups and investment in the area,” said Oli. He came up with Rock the Cotswolds when he realised the young, dynamic, computer-savvy staff he needed at his company were working in cities with the perception the Cotswolds was just a nice place to retire.

“Neon Play is seriously proud to be in Cirencester and we love the town and its shops, bars and restaurants here,” he added. "To win Cirencester Ambassador of the Year for the Rock the Cotswolds campaign is a huge honour.”

Local firms in the final 75 "rockers" included Octavia’s Bookshop, He Says She Waffles, Giffords Circus and Shirtsmart.