THE region's accounting and finance stars have been acclaimed at the eighth North East Accountancy Awards.

Sponsored by Nigel Wright Recruitment, the event drew an audience of 400 people from the region’s business community to the Hilton Gateshead.

The winners of each category were:

Accounting Technician of the Year (sponsored by AAT) – Holly Langton, Balfour Beatty Business Services.

New Accountant of the Year (sponsored by BPP Professional Education) – Craig Hart, Aspire Technology Solutions Ltd

Accountant of the Year (sponsored by ACCA) – Vicki Brown, Vertu Motors plc

Business Finance Team of the Year (sponsored by the University of Sunderland) – Sage UK Ltd

Tax Adviser of the Year (sponsored by CIOT) – Stephen Hall, Deloitte

Corporate Finance Deal of the Year (sponsored Rathbones) – Tait Walker LLP

Branch of the Year (sponsored by Square One Law LLP) - KPMG LLP

Finance Director of the Year (sponsored by Barclays) – Iain Richardson, The Winn Group

Public Services Finance Team of the Year (sponsored by CIPFA NE) – Northumberland Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Independent Firm of the Year (sponsored by ICAEW/Northern Society of Chartered Accountants) – Tait Walker LLP

Accounting & Finance Employer of the Year (sponsored by Echo Events) – KPMG LLP

The new Unsung Hero Award, voted for by the public, was awarded to Geoff Little, who has supported Whickham School and Sports College during their difficult transition from a local authority school to an independent academy.

The most prestigious award of the evening, the Outstanding Achievement Award, was awarded to North East LEP chair and former Senior Partner of PwC Paul Woolston.

Another winner on the night was this year’s chosen charity, The Key_Your Potential Unlocked which raised £5020.75 to help young people across the region achieve their goals and aspirations.