ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Metek Building Systems was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Constructing Excellence in the North-East Awards.

Metek, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, is a division of the MMP Group, and uses a method of construction using advanced computer design and off-site steel frame solutions that outperform traditional building methods. Other winners included Northern Edge, North Tyneside Council, Mowlem, Frank Haslam Milan and the Mears Group.

AWARD HOPES: Gwk architects, in Newcastle, has been shortlisted for a Civic Trust Award for its work on The Seven Stories development, part of the Ouseburn's regeneration programme. Gwt acted as project architect on the £3.2m conversion scheme and helped transform a former mill into a national centre celebrating the heritage of children's books. Award winners will be announced tomorrow.

TOP PRIZE: The Peterlee plant of food and drink manufacturer PepsiCo UK and Ireland, in east Durham, won gold at the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Community Partnership Awards. Jim Knight MP, Minister for Rural Affairs, presented the company with the top prize in the Workplace (large company) category at the FDF president's dinner in central London. PepsiCo's Walkers Snacks Food plant, in Peterlee, introduced a Learning Centre in 2001 open to employees, their families and other members of the community, which has been a huge success.

BEST BAR: Fluid Bar has won a city-wide award for being the best and safest bar in Newcastle. The bar, in Gallowgate, owned by Fluid Group, was declared the winner at the Best Bar None awards, held in the Gosforth Marriot Hotel. Fluid beat competition from 64 bars to be named Overall Winner and also picked up the Gold Award in the pub category. The Best Bar None awards recognise the achievements of bars in the city that promote safety and work to reduce irresponsible drinking. Other winners included Tiger Tiger and Lloyds No1, both of which are part of the Land Securities-owned Gate leisure complex.