Variable Message Signs (VMS) Ltd is sponsoring the Young Performer(s) of the Year category.

Its products are designed and built at its factory on Monkton Business Park, Mill Lane, Hebburn, its base since January 2004, and can be seen locally.

The parking guidance signs near The Sage Gateshead were supplied by VMS, and the large cantilever mounted signs near Washington Services, on the A1, are examples of what it does.

The introduction of Rigel LED technology in 1996 proved to be a turning point in the use of light emitting diodes on the road network.

Successive innovations have maintained the company's leadership in the roads and highways sector.

About 50 per cent of the electronic signs on the motorways and trunk roads of Britain were made in Hebburn, and installed by teams of engineers from the region.

VMS exports products far and wide, and in the past 12 months, it has shipped £700,000 worth of goods to New Zealand.

It employs 65 people, but its policy of purchasing goods and materials from local companies means about 100 jobs are created by sub-contractors.

It also supports the modern apprenticeship scheme, Year in Industry students, and St Joseph's RC Comprehensive School in Hebburn.

"We frequently have groups of students visit the company to get their first taste of the world of work," said managing director Bill Hamilton.

"We try to show them how the science they learn at school has a direct relationship to the technology employed in our products, and hope the pupils and students will be inspired to consider a career in science and technology.

"The Pride of South Tyneside Awards give us the opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of courageous and talented people in South Tyneside – these are the qualities we need in life and industry."

The Pride of South Tyneside Awards take place at the Customs House, in South Shields, next Thursday.