A PROJECT to preserve the historic heart of one of the region's cities has won a national award.

The Grainger Town Project, in Newcastle, was awarded a best practice award from the British Urban Regeneration Association.

Bill Midgley, the partnership's vice-chairman, received the award from Housing, Planning and Regeneration Minister Lord Falconer in Whitehall earlier this week.

Mr Midgley said: "It is a tribute to everyone involved in the whole Grainger Town revival, not just the project team itself but all the residents and businesses throughout the area who have worked so hard to ensure that the scheme is an ongoing success."