KEY business supporters of a North-East hospice movement have been honoured at an awards lunch.

The companies and organisations were officially recognised for their contributions to the Butterwick Hospice at a corporate partners' reception at Judges, near Yarm.

Corporate partners awards, for those who donate £5,000 or more annually, were presented by Butterwick chief executive Graham Leggatt-Chidgey who said: "Your contributions really do make a huge contribution to the work we do."

Corporate Partnerships Manager Anne Cooling added: "We are always extremely grateful for the overwhelming help we receive from local companies and it is important to recognise this level of support. Butterwick Hospice firmly believes that corporate charity relationships should be mutually beneficial and we work with a diverse range of companies on that basis."

Anyone interested in becoming a corporate partner of the Butterwick Hospice should email Ann Cooling at annecooling@butterwick.org.uk or call her on 01642 628934.

Pictured after the awards presentation, left to right: Frank Thraves, Sales Director, Niramax; Chris Bibby, of

Cornerstone Business Solutions; Brenda McLeish, Chief Executive, Learning Curve Group; Tim Howard, General Manager, Judges Hotel; Sarah Jayne Hill, Business Development Manager, The Keys; Butterwick chief executive Graham Leggatt-Chidgey; Steve Lumsden, Director, Seneca Homes; guest speaker Peter Barron; Craig Heathcote, Development Manager, Cleaners for Causes; Graham Laverick, Chief Executive, Prismatic Wealth; Jane Armitage, Managing Partner, Jacksons Law Firm; Eamonn Leavey, Head of President's Club, North East Chamber of Commerce.