Cram scales heights.

STEVE Cram MBE was honoured as the North East England Communicator of the Year 2009, just before he climbed the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Even scaling Africa's highest mountain to raise money for charity didn't stop one of the world's greatest middle distance athletes, as he graciously accepted his award before attempting the 5,000m climb.

The award of Communicator of the Year is presented by the North East Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) committee to someone who plays a significant role in raising the profile of the region.

On Friday, November 6 the region's Public Relations (PR) industry celebrated the work of Steve Cram and the region's PR industry, at the annual Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards at the NewcastleGateshead Hilton.

"This has capped off a wonderful year. I am both privileged and proud to receive this award from the CIPR," said Steve Cram MBE.

Steve received the award for his passion and his ability to communicate and inspire others, both on and off the track. He was the first man to run 1,500 metres in under three minutes. In 1985 he went on to set world records in the 1500 metres, 2,000 metres and the mile, all within 19 days. His achievements include six Commonwealth, European and World Championships and an Olympic silver medal.

Since his retirement as an athlete he has been actively promoting and developing sport. He is chair of Sport Northumberland, a London 2012 Ambassador and chairman of the English Institute of Sport. He is currently working hard to bring World Cup football to the North East as well as being Chancellor of Sunderland University and co-founder of the children's charity Comrades of Children Overseas - COCO - which is dedicated to breaking down the barriers to children's health and education around the world.

The cream of the region's PR industry were also recognised and rewarded for their best practice in public relations. Those winning gold awards are listed in the accompanying article.

Sally Keith, chair of CIPR North East said: "A CIPR PRide Award is a hallmark of professionalism and success. It identifies, recognises and rewards the outstanding achievements of those working in the PR industry outside of London. To win a CIPR PRide Award is a tremendous achievement and I congratulate all of this year's winners." In addition to these awards the CIPR Committee also recognised the career of Gordon Arnott of One North East; a former journalist at the Morpeth Herald and The Journal who has worked in the press office at Northumbria Police, COI and is now PR manager at the regional development agency. Gordon received the Ken Robinson Trophy for PR Practitioner of the Year 2009.

Gordon Arnott said: "It is particularly pleasing for me to receive this prestigious award, especially as I was nominated by PR professionals and journalists in the region. It is a great honour and also testament to the great teams I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my career."

The CIPR PRide Awards have grown in strength and stature, recognising public relations success and achievement across the region. This year over 1,400 entries were received across the 13 different CIPR regions. The judging process is rigorous with a national panel of industry experts assessing the shortlisted entries and choosing the winners.

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations is the professional body for PR practitioners in the UK. With over 9,500 members, involved in all aspects of the public relations industry, it is the largest body of its type in Europe.

The CIPR advances the PR industry in the UK by making its members accountable through a code of conduct, developing policies for the PR industry, representing its members, and raising standards through education and training.

www.cipr.co.uk North East PRide Awards 2009 winners Corporate and Business Communications -Cool Blue Brand Communications, 'The things we believe in'' campaign Not-for-Profit O Communications, One Day Campaign Internal Communications - Gentoo Group, Bringing WOW to Work Crisis Communications Northumbria Police, Denton Road - A Test for Police and Community Relations Measurement and Evaluation Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service, Fireworks and Bonfires Ruin Lives in a Flash Community Relations DTW with SITA UK, Renewable energy from local waste Public Affairs Robson Brown, Fresh, Campaign for smoke free North East Public Sector Golley Slater, Healthy Schools Sunderland Best Campaign pounds 10k and under Northumbria Police, 48 Hours Consumer Relations Nexus - Tyne and Wear Metro, Nexus to Gigs Best Use of Media Relations Gardiner Richardson, Have Your Say Integrated Communications Gateshead Council, Angel 10 Campaign Corporate Responsibility Cool Blue Brand Communications, Is Your House A Barker and Greenhouse? Best Use of Social Media Gardiner Richardson, Tinsel Times Best Use of Photography or Design Cool Blue Brand Communications, Temenos - Launch of the Tees Valley Giants Best Newspaper or Magazine Gentoo Group, Toogether Best Publication Gateshead Council, Our Gateshead Year 07-08 Best Leaflet Cool Blue Brand Communications, For when there''s more than a storm in your teacup Best Website or Microsite Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service, Fireworks and Bonfires Ruin Lives in a Flash Best Event Learning & Skills Council and Fawthrop McLanders, The Celebration of Learning and Skills Awards 2009 Young Communicator Kerrie Crammond, Rowntree Gordo Ltd Outstanding Small Consultancy Goulding Public Relations Outstanding In-House Public Relations Team NewcastleGateshead Initiative Outstanding Public Relations Consultancy - O Communications, ''Growing the O''''

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PROUD WINNERS Achievers in all categories of the CIPR North East PRide Awards 2009 take the stage for a final photocall and inset, Steve Cram.