A COUNCIL has scooped the Broadband Britain Challenge Award for the North-East Public Sector.

The award was for outstanding innovation in using broadband technologies for its work in the education and community sectors.

David Spoors, a systems engineer at Derwentside District Council, was presented with the award by comedian Paul Ross, Look North presenter Wendy Gibson and actor Nick Bailey.

Alan Hodgson, the council's director of information technology (IT), said: "Having been awarded Beacon Status for Social Inclusion through ICT earlier this year, the Broadband Challenge accolade is further recognition of the good work that our IT staff have been carrying out for the past few years.

"Going to the national final will be an exciting moment for a small district like Derwentside and we hope that we can bring the trophy back with us."

District council executive director Mike Clark said: "The council's forward-looking and proactive approach in IT means that our communities benefit from an excellent IT infrastructure. The council can feel proud about what has been achieved in partnership with other organisations and the community itself."

The authority will take part in the national finals on September 12.