Organisers of the first Pro-Yorkshire Awards have re-scheduled the event because of the foot and mouth epidemic.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has pushed the awards ceremony, originally due to take place on June 1 back to September 7.

The decision means groups which have still to nominate their own projects now have until June 15 to register.

Regional director of the RICS for Yorkshire, Chris Johnstone, said: "Due to the foot and mouth epidemic, it was felt it would be inappropriate to hold this event at this time of the year, as it could exclude so many relevant developments and projects.

"What this actually means is that operators of rural schemes still have plenty of opportunity to get involved, and this is a great chance to turn around all the misfortunes of 2001 so far."

The Pro Yorkshire scheme aims to identify and celebrate the achievements which make the region great and contribute to its prosperity. It has eight categories - inward investor, tourism, regeneration, conservation, social scheme, commercial, residential, and design and innovation - and outstanding achievement overall.

Application forms from Linda Adams on (0113) 244 2928.