The winners of the Spirit of Innovation Awards 2006 were announced last night at a glittering ceremony and dinner at The Winter Gardens at Beamish Hall Hotel, County Durham.

Frank Nicholson, chairman of the judging panel said: "It has once again been an honour to have been part of the Spirit of Innovation Awards. The judging panel have faced a tough task this year, as the entrants were of such an incredibly high standard. However I think you'll agree that the winners here really demonstrate the inspiring calibre of innovative new products and services currently being developed in the North East. In the years to come I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more of these talented individuals and companies, both at home and abroad."

Full details of this year's winners are as follows:

Innovation in Education: Anne Curtis, Shoo Fly Publishing, East Boldon.

Shoo Fly Publishing has produced innovative, interactive pop-up books with narration and action graphics to engage children of all abilities in learning. The books can be linked to school and classroom whiteboards, promoting pupil participation and engagement. Shoo Fly publishing promotes creative approaches to teaching and learning, embedding whiteboard technologies into best classroom practice. All stories, illustration, music and education support materials are produced in-house. Sales are already gathering momentum in the UK and the company is now looking to develop markets in Asia, America and Australia