BOLTON North-east MP David Crausby has urged companies to enter the annual Manufacturing Excellence Awards, which close on March 1.

The awards programme aims to identify best practice among UK manufacturers.

Each company taking part is given a free tailored benchmarking report worth more than £10,000 and a free on-site diagnostic health check visit of up to five days from the DTIs Manufacturing Advisory Service, providing further feedback and advice.

Mr. Crausby said: "The awards are internationally recognised as the pinnacle of achievement in UK manufacturing."

Visit www.MX2006.org.uk to enter, or contact Kate Jones on 0207 973 1287 or email: k_jones@imeche.org.uk