Innovative projects headed up by doctors, professors and students at a Norwich university have been recognised.

Eastern Daily Press: Karen Jones, Molly Taylor, Chris Gribble, Brenda Arthur and Henry Sutton. Picture: David KirkhamKaren Jones, Molly Taylor, Chris Gribble, Brenda Arthur and Henry Sutton. Picture: David Kirkham (Image: Archant)

The University of East Anglia's (UEA) Innovation and Impact Awards celebrated those who go above and beyond their higher education roles.

Dozens attended the ceremony, which was held at the Sainsbury Centre last week and was hosted by the university's chancellor Karen Jones.

Award winners included an eco-friendly fashion brand set up by former students, and the team behind the Noirwich crime-writing festival, which is due to return to the city in September.

Fiona Lettice, the university's pro-vice-chancellor for research and innovation, said: 'The impact that UEA staff, students and alumni have on society, culture and the economy is truly incredible.

Eastern Daily Press: The Catching a Fish in Norway team with award presenter Lucy Marks. Picture: David KirkhamThe Catching a Fish in Norway team with award presenter Lucy Marks. Picture: David Kirkham (Image: Archant)

'We had many worthy nominations in all of the award categories and the level of innovation was high, causing the judging panel much deliberation.'

She said the awards celebrated the university's 'pioneering research and innovation', which made an impact locally, nationally and internationally.

Among the winners were Paul Donati and Lottie Michael, UEA alumni, who picked up the award for student or graduate innovation and enterprise for their clothing brand, Catching a Fish in Norway.

The pair began the business in 2014 with a £500 grant from the university, and now turn over roughly £40,000 a year.

Mr Donati said: 'We are over the moon to have been given this award, which we think greatly reflects the hard work put in by all the members of the team over the past few years.

'We hope we can help fellow and future UEA students who would like to set up their own social enterprise or ethical streetwear ventures - and think that this award reflects our ability to help others and continue to grow in the future.'

Henry Sutton, Dr Laura Joyce and Dr Sara Helen Binney won the outstanding social or cultural impact award for their work on Noirwich, which brings hundreds of visitors to the area every year.

Mr Sutton said: 'These awards recognise the impact that projects like ours and the other finalists are making - this is very important as it makes the teams who work hard feel valued.'