THE finest engineers in the south will be toasted at a new awards ceremony coming to Winchester.

The Wessex Region Engineering Excellence Awards will recognise talent at firms of all sizes and see winners profiled in a respected trade magazine.

Categories include product of the year, project of the year and three outstanding achievement awards for individuals. Nominations are open to businesses from Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Trophies will be presented at a black-tie event at Winchester Guildhall on October 9, featuring guest speeches from television presenter Tiff Needell and Institution president Richard Folkson.

The awards are organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and sponsored by Trant Engineering.

Nick Schulkins, chair of the institution's Wessex Region, said: “The Wessex Region is full of hardworking, dynamic and innovative engineers, and these awards have been created to give them the chance to have their stories heard. With each of the winners receiving a profile piece in Professional Engineers Magazine, it’s a real opportunity to showcase the region’s engineering excellence."

Sponsor Patrick Trant said: “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting the inaugural Wessex Region Engineering Excellence Awards. There’s so much engineering talent in the region, and we can’t wait to be involved in what will hopefully be the first of many outstanding events.”

To nominate a company, project or product, email WessexAwards@imeche.org.