A recruitment consultant from Darlington has scooped her second award just two years after establishing her business.

Angela Anderson, 29, from Brinkburn Drive, established Zenith Recruitment in Hebburn, South Tyneside, at the beginning of 2001.

In May, last year, she won the award for growth potential in the Shell LiveWIRE Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

And she capped 2002 with the North-East Young Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award at a ceremony organised by Women into the Network, and attended by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

Angela, who has a background in manufacturing and recruitment, used her own savings to start the business, which has a trunover of £1.5m.

She that to increase to £5m within the next five years, and is already planning expansion into Scotland and Yorkshire, with the potential to create 15 jobs.

The business specialises in finding staff for the manufacturing, engineering and logistics market, and currently has more than 500 personnel on its books.

Angela said: "I'm delighted to have won this award. When I established the business I knew I had a strong idea and a realistic approach.

"The rest has been down to hard work, a determination to succeed, and support from colleagues, family and friends."

She added: "The key to our success lies in providing specialist service in a professional framework, and I think the image of the recruitment industry is gradually moving towards being recognised as another professional service organisation, in line with solicitors and accountants."