A NORTH-East librarian has won a national award for her work for distance learning students.

Christine Stevenson, of the University of Sunderland, has been awarded the Robinson Medal for Innovation by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).

The distance services co-ordinator, who works at St Peter's Library on the Sir Tom Cowie campus, won the award for the development of an off-campus library support system.

The system allows students from across the world to order books online, access electronic databases and do literature searches.

Chairwoman of the judging panel Heather Hedges said: "We are sure that a distance learner will feel that they are a genuine member of the university's libraries."

Ms Stevenson, who has worked at the university for 11 years, said: "Developing the system took a lot of time and effort, but judging by the feedback it has been well worth it.

"The students are pleased with the service as many are studying in areas without access to library and information resources."

She was presented with her award at a ceremony in London.