A NEW scheme is being set up in east Cleveland to reward good design.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is bringing together a panel of expert judges, with representatives from architecture, landscape, surveying and planning to award plaques and certificates for the best examples.

Winning design pieces can be as diverse as a piece of public sculpture, a restored shop front or the design of a new housing estate.

Competition organiser Roger Higgins, the council's senior planner for urban design, said: "We want developers, architects and the public to think imaginatively about design and to work together to create better places to live.

"We want to raise the quality of design in the borough, give recognition to developments which have achieved high standards and can serve as an example to others."

The awards cover developments which started after January 1, 1997 and will be complete by April.

The closing date for entries is April 15 and entry forms and further details are available from Mr Higgins on (01642) 444000 ext 3899.