THE company behind the marketing of the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) has been shortlisted for two national awards.

Rocket Science, based in Middlesbrough, is among the finalists for the way it developed a campaign through data analysis to promote SIRF, which helped to increase visitors by 33 per cent last year.

In addition, Rocket Science was able to bring in significantly more visitors from outside the Stockton area.

National marketing magazine Data Strategy has shortlisted Rocket Science for best use of data for utilities and public sector, and best use of data in travel and leisure.

And Direct Response magazine, in its annual Intelligence Awards, has shortlisted the project for its intelligent application of data on a budget and in its entertainment and media category.