The awards will recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of Network Rail's contractors and suppliers who have played a major role in helping the company deliver thousands of rail improvement schemes across the country.

Nominations are open to all suppliers - both firms or individuals - who have worked with Network Rail from January 2008 to May 2009. The winners will be chosen by Network Rail's chief executive, Iain Coucher, and members of the board with the winners being announced at a special awards ceremony to be held at the Birmingham Metropole on 14 July.

Network Rail's chief executive, Iain Coucher, said: "The next five years will see massive levels of investment to improve the railway for passengers and freight users, with many schemes being carried out in partnership with our contractors and suppliers.

"These awards are an occasion for us to thank and reward the immense effort, teamwork and determination shown by our contractors and suppliers over the last year and encourage industry-wide best practice to help us deliver on our ambitions for the railway."

The 10 award categories are:
1. Best Project Award
2. Community Engagement Award
3. Environmental Sustainability Award
4. Good Lineside Neighbour Award
5. Heritage Award
6. Information Technology Award
7. Innovation Award
8. Investing in People Award
9. Safety Award
10. Team Contribution Award

More details about the awards, and how to enter, can be found at http://www.networkrail.co.uk/awards

Entries should be submitted by 12noon on Friday 22 May.