A NEW awards ceremony will honour the achievements of businesswomen from the North-East.

The Women In Business Awards take place on June 14 at the Hardwick Hall Hotel in Sedgefield.

The event has been created by Enterprise Event Management, a division of Darlington Business Venture, and is backed by The Northern Echo.

Organiser Hilary Dunne said: "We felt there were a growing number of businesswomen in the region and that it was time to recognise their achievements.

"We hope the night will be in recognition of the success women have made in business throughout the North-East.

"It's not about banging the drum for women's issues, it's about networking with like-minded people and rewarding the contributions that women have made to the economy."

Paralympic gold medallist Tanni Grey Thompson, who lives in Redcar, east Cleveland will be the key speaker.

She said: "I'm delighted to be involved with the Women in Business Awards. There are hundreds of successful businesswomen throughout the North-East and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their achievements.

"The awards are open to any woman who runs her own business, women in community businesses and those in employment."

Nominations are invited for eight categories, including training and development, manager of the year, young entrepreneur, and juggler of the year.

The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year will be chosen from the winners of each of the categories.

Sponsors include the Learning and Skills Council, Business Link and Darlington Business Venture.

Everyone who attends the event will get a copy of Women At Work, edited by Anna Maslin, a Northumbria University visiting professor.

Nomination forms, category listings and reservation for tickets can be obtained from Enterprise Event Management on (01325) 480891.