A WORCESTER engineering company has been shortlisted for a prestigious award recognising the best of British manufacturing.

Worcester Heat Systems has been entered for the Manufacturing Excellence Awards which are organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and have gained a reputation for being one of the most prestigious of honours.

The city-based company will be fighting it out against another 21 firms from across the UK, which include Brintons Ltd of Kidderminster and Arctic Circle Ltd of Hereford.

Sir Michael Moore, director general of the institution of mechanical engineers, said the awards were the industry "Oscars".

"The competition recognises the astounding efforts of British manufacturing and each company entering gets tangible benefits," he said.

"Year on year the companies entering is increasing as they recognise the value of the competition. I am pleased the DTI also recognises the value of this initiative and continues to support it."

A team of engineers will judge the companies, short-listed from 240 entries, and the winners will be announced during a ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel, London, on Thursday June 28.

The winners receive a cash prize and a custom-made trophy.