FIRMS in East Lancashire are being urged to try and hit the headlines by winning a 1998 Queen's Award.

Five local companies, including Wolstenholme International and Panaz, were named among the 1997 recipients.

The Queen's Award is regarded as the highest honour a company can win. It rewards success in exporting, technology and the environment.

The exporting award is open to firms which have shown a substantial increase in overseas earnings over three consecutive years.

The technology award is aimed at firms which have made a significant advance leading to increased efficiency through technology.

And for the environment award companies must show they have made significant advances in a product or process which is commercially successful and which offers major benefits to the environment.

Application forms for each of the awards is available by contacting 0171 222 2277.

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