A TOURIST attraction has scooped its second award in two months.
Last month, Sunderland's Winter Gardens won a Grand Award from Associated Landscape Contractors of America.
Now it has secured the organisation's overall Judges Award, marking the first time it has gone to a project outside the US.
The gardens opened in July. The original 1879 Winter Gardens was demolished after severe bomb damage in the Second World War.
The new Winter Gardens is home to more than 1,500 plants from around the world, and includes a 360 degree tree-top walkway.
The attraction beat off competition from projects in the US, Canada and Europe, to win the award.
Irene Lucas, director of Sunderland City Council's contracting services, said: "To scoop an honour never previously awarded outside America is a tremendous achievement.
"The Winter Gardens has already proved a magnificent success, attracting 380,000 visitors in just five months. This award is proof that it is also living up to its reputation as a landmark building of international significance."
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