Two companies based in the region have been named in a list of the top ten fastest-growing companies in the UK.

Mechanical engineers Linden Group, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and health club group Bannatyne Fitness, were placed fourth and sixth respectively in the Deloitte Indy 100 list.

The compilation recognises the successes of companies with a turnover of between £5m and £100m.

Other entrants from the region to appear on the list were Metnor Group, in Killingworth, Northumberland, ranked 22nd, and Newcastle's Ultimate Leisure Group, which was ranked at number 74.

Linden has built a growing reputation in its sector as a leader in the marketing of hydraulic components across a number of industries.

The company has built a burgeoning export market as well as maintaining strong links with local customers.

Linden has enjoyed a rise in turnover, which has grown from £10.3m in 2000 to £57.4m in 2001 and £78.3m in 2002.

Bannatyne Fitness, based in Darlington, experienced substantial growth during the past four years, rising from £9m in 2000 to £15.7m the following year, £21.5m in 2002 and £28m last year.

The company predicts it will top £35m this year, and plans to increase the number of health clubs to 35 by the start of next year.

The company will open centres in Skelmersdale, near Liverpool, and Banbury, near Oxford, in the next six weeks followed by another club in Folkestone in October.

Nigel Armstrong, operations director, said: "We got into the health club industry at the right time. But we have remained private while a lot of companies in the sector were attracted to float on the stock exchange."

The fastest growing company in the UK was Anglo Design Holdings, of Warrington, which manufactures security monitoring services for the aerospace industry.

The list was compiled using research undertaken by Deloitte in conjunction with Warwick Business School.