A NORTH-East firm certainly had call to blow its own trumpet this week when it picked up a national award.

Musical instrument company, DGC Distribution, received its e-commerce honour from Tom Fleming of Government Office North East.

The awards are set up by the Information Society Initiative (ISI) and InterForum.

The local ISI centres have assisted 2126 small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in their e-commerce uptake since it was set up three years ago and last year alone created 33 net jobs in the region.

The Spennymoor firm beat competition from 400 entrants across the country to land the top prize. They were described by judges as an excellent example of a North-East company which is recognising the benefits and opportunities within e-commerce.

Simon Cohen of DGC said: "We were delighted to be recognised for our work in e-commerce on a national scale.

"Our customers appreciate that the company has grown and developed, and we aim to continue doing so.

"It is always nice to win awards, and especially when you're competing against the best e-commerce businesses in the country."

As well as the award the firm also received a cheque for £30,000 for its successful online website.

The Internet-friendly business manufactures a highly successful range of musical instruments and accessories under their Guvnor brand name.

Their customers include music shops in the UK, Ireland, Continental Europe and the US.