STEEL maker Corus Special Profiles and manufacturer Water Filtration have both won prestigious Queen's Awards for international trade after achieving high export growth.

The companies are two of 11 businesses and organisations across the region to earn a Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Corus Special Profiles, at Skinningrove, near Saltburn, east Cleveland, has grown its exports by 87 per cent since 2003, with 70 per cent of all sales now shipped to clients around the world.

Director John Arthur said: "A key to our success has been the development of long-term relationships with our customers who are leading, world-class manufacturers in their industries."

Walker Filtration, in Washington, Wearside, was presented with its third Queen's Award after manufacturing levels reached record levels, with 85 per cent of all products shipped abroad.

The firm plans to increase its 100-strong workforce by at least a quarter and further boost international business.

Other winners of international trade awards include Immunodiagnostic Systems Ltd, of Boldon, South Tyneside, Sangenic International Ltd, of Cramlington, Thermacore Ltd, of Ashington, both Northumberland, and Phosyn Plc, of Pocklington, near York.

Innovation awards went to outdoor clothing and equipment specialist Berghaus, of Sunderland, and manufacturer of pipe coatings E Wood Limited, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

E Wood won for the development of a polyurethane lining used for the refurbishment of underground drinking water pipelines.

The product, known as Hycote 169HB, was launched in July 2004 and piloted by Yorkshire Water. At least four other water companies, including Northumbrian Water, have indicated their intention to switch to the technology.

Chris McDonnell, managing director of E Wood, said: "We have focused a lot of our time and resources over the last few years into research, development and innovation and to be recognised among the top-performing businesses within the UK is a magnificent achievement."

Awards for sustainable development were given to Traidcraft Ltd, of Gateshead, and Eco Arc: Ecological Architecture Practice, of York.

The award for enterprise promotion was presented to John Anderson, the non-executive chairman of the North-East Business and Innovation Centre in Sunderland.

A total of 145 Queen's Awards were announced, the highest total for 11 years.

Among the winners was James Dyson's vacuum cleaning firm, which has increased overseas sales by 405 per cent in recent years.

An honorary award was given for the first time to a US citizen, Doug Richard, who features with North-East millionaire Duncan Bannatyne on BBC TV's Dragons' Den.