SOME of the leading innovators in the North-East came under the spotlight last night when an awards ceremony took place.

More than 200 people attended the Spirit of Innovation Awards at the Marriott Hotel, in Gosforth, Newcastle.

From a record 90 entries, a shortlist of 12 was selected from four categories.

Winners each received £1,000, plus help to develop their innovations further. The overall winner received a cheque for £5,000.

Student: Thomas Willis, from Yarm School, near Stockton, who created a mooring aid that enables disabled or single-handed yachters to tie boats up safely.

Individual: Joseph Colannino, from Stockton, who created a swimming float that provides resistance to make the swimmer work harder.

Small Company: Pnu-Point Ltd, of County Durham, which created a grouting tool.

Large Company: Brulines Ltd, Stockton, for its beer quality monitor that cuts wastage by up to 70 per cent when pipes are cleaned.

Overall Winner: Reuzip Partnership, of Middlesbrough who invented a reusable, stretchable cover for a range of household items.