CIVIC leaders have launched a competition to find examples of new building work which have helped to raise a town's profile.

Nominations are being invited for the Scarborough Building Design Awards, set up to reward excellence in building design and development.

Council chiefs hope their efforts to publicise good building design will improve the appearance and reputation of the area.

Jane Mortimer, chairman of the borough council's development and regulation committee, said: "This is a chance to recognise efforts to bring up the quality of buildings in Scarborough, which make the place a nicer town to live, work in and visit.

"By having awards like these the organisers seek to raise the standards of buildings and I look forward to assessing many different entries."

Entry forms are available from Scarborough town hall inquiry desk or the planning office in King Street