On Thursday 19th October, CIHT North East & Cumbria welcomed 150 highways and transport professionals, along with CIHT President, Karen McShane and CIHT CEO, Sue Percy, at the Crowne Plaza Newcastle, to recognise and celebrate the outstanding projects and people in the region. With 18 shortlisted entrants and representatives from consultancies, contractors, local authorities and academia, the event was a true representation of the highways and transport industry in North East & Cumbria.

The master of ceremonies BBC Radio Newcastle presenter, writer, comic and artist, Alfie Joey kept the evening running smoothly. CIHT North East & Cumbria chair, Joanne Roberts, and CIHT President, Karen McShane, reminded us of the challenges and opportunities that the highways and transportation industry is faced with and the key role CIHT plays in galvanising the industry and its professionals.

As the evening progressed, the winners and highly commended entries were announced and trophies and certificates awarded. To see who won in the various categories available, please visit the awards page. CIHT North East & Cumbria would like to express heartfelt thanks to their headline sponsor, Arup, and all the other sponsors of this year's awards, including Balfour Beatty,  Milestone Transport Planning, Transport Network Connect and Waterman Aspen.

As the event came to a close, the Princes of Monte Carlo took the stage and got everyone out of their seats. Playing all the classics, they managed to get some singing along and got a few brave people on the dancefloor, until they pulled out all the stops with their Mr. Brightside encore which got everyone dancing and concluded the night's proceedings.

The regional awards dinners are always a great way to connect with local profession, grow your network, and celebrate the good work that you and your colleagues are delivering. If you would like to find out more, please contact regions@ciht.org.uk.