Entrepreneurs with disabilities have been honoured at the Spirit of Enterprise awards.

The annual awards ceremony, sponsored by law firm Watson Burton, celebrates entrepreneurs who have built their own company or played a key role in the operation of a business.

Dr John Bridge, Watson Burton director and chairman of Spirit of Enterprise, helped to create the awards more than 14 years ago.

He said: "Spirit of Enterprise celebrates the success of people who have made an impact in business and commerce, overcoming all physical and other obstacles to do so."

Lisa Charlton, of Jesmond, Newcastle, won the Spirit of Enterprise 2005.

The 38-year-old is diabetic, registered blind, has impaired kidneys, and has survived a stroke with restricted mobility.

She has worked as a volunteer fundraiser for Gateshead Citizens Advice Bureau for the past two years.

Finalists also included Robert McKenna, of Gateshead, one of ten soldiers blown up in a bomb attack in Northern Ireland in 1974, breaking most of the bones in his body. He is now a Scottish piper and plays at weddings, Burns Night suppers and New Year events.

Others included Christine Green, of Jarrow, North Tyneside, Colin Crake, of Trimdon Grange, Jason Wilson, of Bishop Auckland, both County Durham, and Madeline Dawkins, of Hartlepool.