BRITISH Airways is backing North-East exporters through the region's Chamber of Commerce.

The airline is the sponsor of this year's North-East Exporters dinner, on Friday at the Ramside Hotel, near Durham.

The event is organised by the North-East Chamber of Commerce and its partners Trade Partners UK, One Northeast and the North East Export Club.

The popular event celebrates and recognises the achievements of export and import in the North-East over the last 12 months.

The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of two awards. Lloyds TSB has one for an existing exporter for its individual achievements, while Trade Partners UK will present an award to a new exporter.

Last year's awards celebrated the achievements of Paul Cruddace, export director of Darlington-based Amdega, which developed an export market for conservatories and summer houses and Gillian Smith, market development manager with Rite-Vent in Washington which manufactures stainless steel flues.

Key speaker at the event will be Trevor Went, managing director of Newcastle Airport.

Mr Went said: "British Airways is delighted to have been able to extend its services in the North-East with the new Oslo service and we are extremely keen to promote and support export and import businesses which enhance the development of cross country communication. They can only add to the value and wealth of the region."

Chamber director (designate) of international trade, Brendan Murphy, said: "Despite some challenging export conditions, we have received high calibre entries which have tested the judges, proving yet again that despite the strength of sterling, building overseas business can still be achieved."