AN authority has picked up an award for its work in supporting the arts sector.

Sedgefield Borough Council's leisure services department has been presented with the Arts and Business New Partners Award.

The governing body, supported by the Arts Council England, encourages working alongside local organisations within the arts sector, individual artists and prom-otes the importance of forming working partnerships.

The council was recognised for its business partnership, which led to the rock climbing-themed play Elevation.

The play was premiered in Newton Aycliffe and went on to tour Sunderland and Cumbria, before closing at the Kendal International Film and Mountain Festival.

The ceremony was at Newcastle's Discovery Museum, and was presented to Scott Young, arts development officer for Sedgefield council, by MP Hilary Armstrong, Chief Whip for the Government.