AN exciting competition has been launched to find the region's most effective engineering user of computer-aided engineering through computer -aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) technologies.

The award is designed to showcase regional engineering talent with the objective of stimulating further interest in computer-aided engineering.

The competition is open to companies with head offices in the North-East of England.

A team of experienced industrialists will make up a judging panel chaired by Professor Ernie Appleton from the University of Durham.

Entries should be received by September 29th.

The overall winner will be announced at an event hosted at RTC North in Sunderland on Thursday, October 26th.

To qualify as a finalist, companies should be engaged in some form of parametric or 3D design activity.

However, those enterprises only using one CAD or CAM technique or those with a smaller scope are encouraged to submit an entry, as the award will be judged on effectiveness of use rather than the size or function of the company.

A chess set, engineered on a state-of-the-art computer integrated manufacturing system by the University of Teesside, will be the prize for the winning company.

Finalists are required to give a five-minute presentation on their application of the technology, although they will be exempt from giving away company secrets.

For details and application forms, contact James Thwaites at RTC North on (0191) 516 4400 or e-mail: james.thwaites