DESIGN innovation was recognised at an awards ceremony.

Middlesbrough's annual Design Awards were presented at the Building Industry Consultative Forum, at the Riverside Stadium.

Organised by the forum, a partnership between Middlesbrough Borough Council and the construction industry, they are the town's contribution to Urban Design Week.

A panel of architects and designers considered 44 nominations in four categories of development carried out in the past two years; house extensions, residential development, commercial/industrial and landscaping.

It then shortlisted and visited 18 developments before choosing the overall winners.

The council's commissioner for the environment, Councillor Oliver Johnson, said: "These awards are a testament to the pride and commitment of all parties involved. The council acknowledges the part they have all played in a better environment in the town."

Chairman of the planning and development committee, Councillor Frank Gill, said: "It is pleasing to be able to celebrate the hard work and effort of owners and developers in achieving good urban design."

The four winners are: home extension, Gary and Tracy Crossling joint winners with Keith and Caron Bennett; residential development, Wimpey Homes North-East for its Grove Hill development; commercial/industrial, Centuria Building, Teesside University (designed by Bond Bryan Architects); and landscaping, James Cook House (designed by JF Finnegan Design and Build)