BUSINESSES in North and East Yorkshire are being asked to take part in a new Yorkshire-wide awards scheme.

Dubbed the Pro Yorkshire Awards, it has been organised by The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Yorkshire, and will recognise the achievements of the region.

Categories include best examples of achievements and successes in eight areas - inward investor, tourism, regeneration/conservation, social scheme, commercial project, residential, design and innovation and overall outstanding achievement.

The competition was launched by RICS president, Jonathan Harris at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, where the final presentation ceremony takes place on Friday, June 1. A special judging panel comprising of business representatives, the RICS and external agencies will look for evidence of innovation, performance, growth, job creation, community initiatives, outstanding management, teamwork and sustainable development.

Chris Johnstone, Yorkshire regional director for the RICS, said: "The Pro Yorkshire Awards represent a great opportunity for the whole region to shout collectively about the enormous talent we have here and to highlight some of the outstanding work which is going on across the county."

He also called for business sponsors to help the RICS "evolve the awards into one of the main annual calendar events."

Nominations should be sent to Linda Adams at The RICS in Yorkshire, 8 Woodhouse Square, Leeds LS3 1AD or telephone 0113 244 2928.