COMPANIES across the region benefiting from information and communication technology have been recognised at an awards ceremony.

Winners of the E-Commerce Awards regional final, supported by regional development agency One NorthEast, will go to next month's national finals, organised by the Department of Trade and Industry and Interforum.

Regional winners included:

* Best sales and marketing online; Middlesbrough designer clothing company Triads (www.triads.co.uk);

* Best customer care online; Gosforth's Kelvin Lodge Dental Practice (www.kelvinlodge.co.uk);

* Best integrated business; Dive Logs, in Newcastle (www.dive-logs.com);

* Best use of broadband; Newcastle music supply company Beat Suite (www.beatsuite.com).

* Best use of teleworking; online toy store Pedal Pushers, in Hedley-on-the-Hill, North-umberland (www.pedal pusherslimited.co.uk).

* Best use of mobile and wireless technology; Advanced Engineering Solutions, in Cramlington, Northumberland (www.aesengs.co.uk).

Deputy chairman of One NorthEast, Christine Smith, said: "No longer is location a hindrance to a firm's aspirations for the future and desire to grow and succeed."