AN AWARDS ceremony for North-East employers will take place this summer at the launch of the 2005 Equality Awards.

The ceremony, staged by Equality NE Ltd, will recognise organisations who show strong equality and diversity and who have improved recruitment and retention of people from minority or disadvantaged groups.

The categories are for employer of between 50 and 250 staff, between ten and 50 staff, and of less than ten, training providers, voluntary organisations and individuals who have made a difference.

The awards will be presented at Newcastle United's ground on June 17.