A HOST of PR firms have made it through to the regional final of the 2012 Chartered Institute of Public Relations PRide Awards.

More than 1,000 companies across the country entered the awards - with 80 entries from 23 North East organisations.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a special presentation dinner at the Hilton Hotel, Gateshead, on Friday, October 26.

All the gold award winners will then be put forward for the national final, at which the pick of the crop will receive a prestigious Grand Prix Award.

Categories include best use of media relations, best use of social media, best public sector campaign and best campaign under £10,000.

Chris Taylor, regional chair for the CIPR North East, said: “We have had a fantastic number of entries this year and an increased number of organisations entering the awards which confirms that there is a strong creative PR industry in the region.

“There has been some exceptional work taking place in our region, and the North East PRide awards gives everyone chance to recognise this and celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams across the region.”

Jane Wilson, CIPR chief executive, said: “The CIPR PRide awards celebrate the best PR and communications campaigns and teams from the profession across the UK.

“To be shortlisted for a CIPR PRide award demonstrates exemplary achievement, impact and value; immediately putting your work in the spotlight.

“The sheer number of high quality entries received this year, especially when things are still pretty tough out there economically, is testament to a thriving nationwide industry.”

Go to page two for the shortlisted entrants list >>