FORGET political correctness, the Equality North East awards are about celebrating those organisations who go the extra mile in recruiting and retaining people from all walks of life.

Based in the Pinetree Centre at Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, Equality North East works to educate businesses about the benefits of employing a diverse workforce.

This includes people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, people returning to work and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The North-East is increasingly reliant on small businesses to drive its economic recovery, after the demise of heavy industries such as mining and shipbuilding.

Liz Reay, Equality North East's operations director, said: "It is very hard for smaller employers.

"Large companies will have a whole section dealing with personnel issues like rights and responsibilities, and it is someone's full-time job to decide on equal opportunities policies.

"Whereas, for small business owners, their business takes priority.

"Sometimes, equal opportunities and diversity are bottom of the list.

"Their main concern is making a profit. But if they think about it in the first place, it will help them make that profit."

After a successful ceremony last year for Tyneside firms, the group decided to open the awards to companies across the region.

There were six categories of award: Voluntary organisations, sponsored by The Northern Echo; training providers; businesses of up to ten employees; businesses of ten to 50 employees; businesses of 50 to 250 employees; and an award for the individual who has made a difference. There was also an award for the overall winner.

Mrs Reay, who sat on the judging panel, said: "The standard of entry this year was very high, which made the shortlisting and judging extremely difficult."

The winners were announced at a gala dinner in the Magpie Suite at St James's Park, the home of Newcastle United Football Club, on Friday.

The awards were designed by North-East artists and the main speaker at the event was Redcar MP Vera Baird.

For further details on Equality North East, call 0191-492 1333/1444, or visit www.equality-ne.co.uk