BUSINESSES committed to disability equality were honoured at a special awards ceremony in Southampton.

More than 100 business people, sponsors and guests gathered at the home of Hampshire cricket, The Rose Bowl, in West End, for the Disabled People's Business and Community Awards 2006.

The event was organised by The Southampton Centre for Independent Living (SCIL) to recognise organisations that have gone beyond the call of duty to include people with disabilities.

Ian Loynes, chief executive of SCIL, said: "This event is all about challenging exclusion and showcasing those organisations which are choosing to include disabled people. It's also important to encourage other companies to do likewise.

"We've still got a long way to go but events like this are a step in the right direction."

Winners in eight categories across a range of sectors including leisure, hospitality and transport, were announced during the award ceremony, presented by Meridian newsreader Debbie Thrower.

For the first time in the awards' three-year history, members of the public could nominate companies they felt were most deserving in two categories: the Disability Equality Achievement Award for Hospitality - which went to La Vista restaurant in Hythe - and the judge's award for outstanding newcomer, picked up by LA Fitness in Southampton.

The gym in Winchester Road, Southampton, has facilities where the blind can leave their guide dogs and equipment for disabled swimmers and gym users.

Club manager Mark Mayes, who collected the award, said: "We are delighted. It just shows how far we have come in the last 12 months for providing access for people with disabilities.

"People think of gyms as places for body builders and those who want to look good but they are places to make people healthier. We have worked hard within the community to get people out of their homes and enjoying a healthy lifestyle and this award is recognition of that."

The awards have proved to be a tremendous success, attracting sponsorship from some of the region's key businesses and employers.

THE WINNERS: Disability Equality Achievement Award for: Entertainment and Leisure -Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, Bitterne, Southampton.

Services and Utilities - BT Group Public Services - Southampton Solent University; Hampshire County Council Library Service(highly commended).

Gold Award for Transport - Flybe.

Gold Award for employment - Royal Navy.

Judges'Award for Outstanding Equality Achievement - Hampshire Constabulary Police Link Officers for Deaf People.

Judges'Award for Outsanding Newcomer - LA Fitness, Southampton.