MORE than 60 companies in the North-East have applied for a Queen's Award before the deadline of October 31.

Thirty companies from Northumberland and Tyneside have applied, 14 from County Durham, 15 from Hartlepool and four from Sunderland.

But officials are urging more businesses to apply.

Last month, K Home International, of Thornaby, near Stockton, was presented with a prestigious Queen's Award for international trade - one of four winners in the region last year.

Would-be Queen's Awards winners should phone (0870) 513 4486 or visit www.queensawards.org.uk for an entry pack.