FIRMS in Bolton have the chance to compete in an annual IT and digital technology award programme.

The Big Chip Awards for North-west companies now include new categories, including a "green" award for technology designed to help protect the environment.

Awards organiser Manchester Digital is inviting companies from all sectors across Bolton which have undertaken digital projects in the past year to submit their entries for the 2008 awards.

Entries can include the development of a company website to digital marketing, and categories cover public sector and not-for-profit projects, use of visual design, e-learning and brand development, among others.

A full list of categories and an online entry form can be found at www.bigchipawards.com until March 3. The first two entries are free. Subsequent entries cost £75.

The awards will be handed out at a presentation dinner on May 22, at New Century Hall in Manchester.