The search to find next year’s superstars of the region’s property and construction sectors has been launched at a networking event organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The event saw the beginning of an eight-month quest to find top contenders for the 2011 RICS Pro-Yorkshire Awards.

The awards, considered the region’s property Oscars, showcase the top projects and highlight the achievements and success of all property professionals working in the built and natural environments.

Colin Harrop, the chairman of the Yorkshire and Humberside regional RICS board, said: “The awards are a terrific opportunity for us to shout about the great things happening in the region.

“While the buildings are the focus, we shine the spotlight on the talented professionals who are behind such fantastic buildings.”

The eight categories for the awards are regeneration, sustainability, community benefit, building conservation, commercial residential, design and innovation and tourism and leisure.

There will also be a project of the year accolade, which is awarded to the entry judged to have scored the highest across all of the categories.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a glittering black-tie dinner on Friday, June 20, in Leeds.

Entry forms, which must be returned by the end of January, 2011, are available from Emma Darwin, RICS Yorkshire and Humber Events Co-ordinator, on (01924) 229307 or e-mail edarwin@rics.org.