THERE were mixed fortunes for the region's companies when the National Recycling Awards were announced.

3M, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, just missed out on the Best Industry Recycling Initiative category, having been shortlisted. The prize was won by Cambrian Printers, from Aberystwyth, in Wales.

Among the winners was York-based Green-Tech, which won Environmental Product of the Year in the awards, which are organised by Materials Recycling Week magazine and are now in their eighth year.

Working with Yorkshire Water, Green-Tech introduced a topsoil called GT Greentree made from sustainable and recycled base materials for use in landscaping and building. Greentech now processes a third of Yorkshire Water's composted sludge.

Among other winners was Tesco, which has branches across the North-East and won The Novelis Award for Best Retail Recycling Initiative.

Judges were impressed by the in-store recycling machines, introduced as part of the company's commitment to recycling.

Lifetime Achievement Awards included Malcolm Downs, of Yorwaste Limited, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, which carries out a range of recycling initiatives.

The winners were announced by comedian Bob Mills at a ceremony in Bournemouth's International Centre.

Jane Rayner, chairwoman of the judging panel, said,: "There's no doubt that the recycling industry has a big part to play in the drive to understand how we in Britain can best reduce the impact on our environment and prevent the waste of valuable resources.

"I'm really excited by the level of innovation and enthusiasm within award entries, as well as the potential many of the campaigns show to be implemented elsewhere in the UK, helping other organisations to meet recycling rates."