A HIGHWAY authority has been named a centre of excellence by the Government for its performance in delivering improvements to the transport network.

Durham County Council has been recognised as one of the country's best-performing bodies in the country and is to be used as a model for other highways authorities to follow.

The announcement was made by Local Transport Minister Charlotte Atkins, who described the council's delivery record as "impressive".

The authority's second five-year Local Transport Plan - which comes into force next year - will be highlighted as an example of best practice in efficient programme delivery. Chris Tunstall, the council's deputy chief executive, said the designation confirmed the authority's standing as one of the best-performing highway authorities in the country.

He said: "It puts our progress and performance into perspective and reflects the continuing commitment of our elected members and staff to improving the transport infrastructure of County Durham."

The plan - which is about to go out to public consultation - is designed to reduce traffic congestion and pollution, create a wider choice of travel, improve the county's road network, create safer routes to school and improve the environment.