DURHAM'S prize-winning civic calendar has won further national acclaim.

But the city's 2003 publication was just edged out from top spot in the National Business Calendar Awards by a cute puppy promoting toilet paper.

While photographer Royston Thomas's 13 varying scenes around Durham captured the imagination of judges to beat off competition from such notable names as Rolls Royce and Kodak, it could not quite eclipse the Andrex calendar.

The city council, which was placed second in the 'bespoke' category, was the only local authority to win an award in the competition.

It follows from last year's runners-up placing in the photography section, second only to the famous Pirelli calendar. Specially commissioned by the council's environmental services department to provide a memorable illustration of Durham's historic landmarks, the civic calendar is in its 11th year.

It is circulated among civic business contacts and Durham exiles across the world on the run up to Christmas.

Most of the 3,500 copies were quickly snapped up within weeks of Images of Durham being published in November.

Judges praised the calendar for its 'inventive and unusual' use of black and white photography.

John Jennings, the city council's environmental services director, said: "We're delighted that the style of our calendar sets it apart from the best of the country.

"Winning an award in a competition for which most companies invest considerably more than we are able to, owes much to the enthusiasm and imagination of all concerned.

"Royston's work offers us a distinctive way in which to capture the unique charm of Durham city year after year in timeless, stunning images."

Sir Alex Jarratt presented the award to Mr Jennings and Martin Boulton, of the city council, at a presentation held in the London College of Printing.

All the award winning calendars have gone on display in the college's Eckersley Gallery and will tour the country later in the year.