A COMMUNITY-LED regeneration scheme has resulted in top honours for the partners behind the project.

The West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) and Middlesbrough Council won awards at the inaugural National New Deal for Communities Awards day.

The multi-million pound regeneration project will see older, inner areas of Middlesbrough redeveloped and transformed

The neighbourhood trust was runner-up in the Partnership of the Year award, while the council won the best supporting organisation category for its support of the trust.

Trust chairwoman Joan Ford said: "We are absolutely over the moon to have done so well at this prestigious award ceremony.

"To be runner-up for the best partnership is a real honour. I think it is a success for everyone involved in West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust because we have all had a share in this hard but rewarding job.''

Councillor Barry Coppinger, the council's executive member for community safety and leisure, said: "The council is delighted to have won this award.

"It is a great testament to the work we are doing with WMNT to improve the neighbourhood for the good of local people. It is this close partnership working that is really making a difference to the area."

Resident Andrew Vickers, who has played a pivotal role in organising community projects, received a commendation in the Young Person's Achievement Award, while council official Ron Dawson was commended in the service provider award category.