A RECORD number of entries has been received for an awards scheme to commend achievement in civil engineering.

Some of the biggest names in the industry have entered their best completed projects in the region for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (North-East) awards.

Judges have shortlisted seven of the 13 projects, worth millions of pounds - in an area between Blyth in the north, Hexham in the west and Hartlepool in the south.

Winners will be announced and trophies awarded at an annual dinner at Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel, on Friday.

In addition to the main award, for project of the year, commendations will also be given, and company awards for health and safety, and training.

Douglas Kell, director of the association, said: "The record entry in this fifth year of the event shows the enthusiasm the firms and their workforces have for complex work they tackle. The awards highlight achievements which, because of the nature of the job, are usually hidden from public view.

"Regardless of who wins, the entries show an immense range of skill in what is often very complicated, even dangerous, work."

Entrants include Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, Barton Civil Engineering, Birse Civils, Black and Veatch, Byzak, Carillion Regional Civil Engineering, John Hellens (Contracts), Lumsden and Carroll Construction, Edmund Nuttall, Seymour (Civil Engineering Contractors) and Southbay Civils.