A PRIZE-WINNING North-East civic calendar has won further national acclaim.

But Durham City's offering for 2003 was just edged out of the top spot in the National Business Calendar Awards by a puppy promoting toilet rolls.

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

Durham City Council, which was placed second in the bespoke category, was the only local authority to win an award in the competition.

It follows on from last year's runners-up placing in the photography section, second only to the famous Pirelli calendar.

Specially commissioned by the city 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 in the run-up to Christmas.

Most of the 3,500 copies were sold within weeks of being published in November.

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

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

The award was presented to Martin Boulton, of the city council, at a presentation held in the London College of Printing, by Sir Alex Jarratt.

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