FIRMS in the North-East energy sector celebrated their achievements over the past 12 months at annual awards.

The awards, hosted by Durham City based development organisation NOF Energy, recognise firms in the region working in oil, gas, nuclear and offshore renewables sectors.

Darchem Engineering, based at Stillington, near Darlington, where it employs more than 550, won the best international business award for delivering significant growth in exports.

Steven Rooney, 29, from Heerema Hartlepool Ltd, collected the New Talent Award, while pipelay and trenching systems company IHC Engineering Business Ltd, collected the Innovation and Technology prize.

Company of the Year was subsea umbilical systems specialist, DUCO Ltd, based in Newcastle.

George Rafferty, chief executive of NOF Energy, said: "The energy sector supply chain is a jewel in the crown of British industry and the UK economy.

"The awards recognises the continuing excellence being demonstrated by companies within the supply chain and rightly celebrates their achievements.

"Everyone had a wonderful evening celebrating our exceptional and innovative industry."