A PARK and ride system has picked up a national honour.

Durham City’s Park and Ride service won the Best Car Park Operation award at the annual British Parking Awards.

The service, run by Durham County Council in partnership with operator NSL, started in 2005 at three sites around the city, which now provide more than 1,200 parking spaces.

More than 800 commuters, shoppers and visitors use the park and ride every day, with 40,000 people using it during the Lumiere light festival.

Coun Neil Foster, Durham County Council cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: "This is another outstanding accolade for Park and Ride which has over the years proved hugely popular with the public.

"Not only does it boost business in the city by making it easier for people to get in and out but it does so in a way that reduces congestion and pollution."