WINNERS of this year's Spirit of Innovation Awards were announced yesterday as the achievements of individuals and companies from across the region came under the spotlight.

More than 200 businessmen and women packed into Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield for last night's awards ceremony, compered by TV presenter Paul Frost.

Winners in each of four categories won £1,000, plus help from the organisers and sponsors of the awards to develop their innovations.

The overall winner received an extra cheque for £5,000, which was awarded to The Shark Group, from Morpeth, Northumberland.

The company has designed a survival suit to help passengers survive "cold shock" if a helicopter is forced to ditch in open waters.

Winner of the student category was Angus Merriam, from Sowerby, near Thirsk, in North Yorkshire.

He received his award from Martin Haywood, of the University of Sunderland, for his VIBE-AWAKE device for the hearing impaired. The device - a vibrating pad - is attached to an alarm clock and placed under a pillow.

Winner of the individual category was Thomas Robson, from Houghton-le-Spring, in County Durham. He received his award from Paul McEldon of the North-East of England Business and Innovation Centre (BIC).

Mr Robson has developed a weatherproof attachable rucksack mat which acts as a breathable cushion between the wearer and the pack, and which doubles as a mat to sit on.

Winner of the Small Company Category was Millenniumpore Limited, of Sunderland, for its hand-operated pump filter for purifying polluted water.

Professor John Goddard, deputy vice-chancellor of Newcastle University, presented the award.

Jackel International in Cramlington, Northumberland, won the large company category for its drinking cup to encourage children aged between six months and two-and a half, to drink independently.

The award was presented by Mary Anne Marcharg, from Robert Muckle Solicitors.

Speaking at the awards, Frank Nicholson, business consultant and chairman of the judging panel, said: "The strength of these awards is that they cater for everyone, not just large multi-national companies, and are a terrific approach to creating an enterprising culture in this region.

"Hopefully, everyone who entered the awards will go on to further develop their products and ideas to maintain the North-East's strong tradition of innovation."

David Howell, director of operations at the North-East of England BIC, said: "Once again the people and the companies in this region have shown they are at the forefront of forward-thinking and new ideas.

"As well as recognising products which have already achieved commercial success, we hope these awards reflect the efforts of individuals and organisations who are committed to improving working methods."

Former Yorkshire County Cricket Club bowler Mike Cowan, who used to open the bowling attack with Fred Trueman, was the speaker at the event. For the past 12 years, he has been responsible for sales in the North of England for Penguin Books.

* Award sponsors included: The North-East of England BIC, The University of Sunderland, Robert Muckle Solicitors, Smart Funding Innovation, the Small Enterprise Research Unit at the University of Newcastle and One NorthEast