THE ruling Liberal Democrat group on Durham City Council has won a regeneration award from party chiefs.

They received the Regeneration and Culture Liberal Democrat Council Group of the Year accolade, at the spring conference, in Harrogate, from new national leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

Development is booming in the city, with a swimming pool to be built, the multi-million pound redevelopment of the former Walkergate car park under way, plans to build on the former ice rink - currently be looked at by the Government - and a council land sell-off scheme that provides money for development in surrounding villages.

Durham City cabinet member Carol Woods said: "We are delighted to receive this award, because we have worked very hard over the past 12 months to regenerate the city and villages of Durham.

"Eighteen months ago, Durham was described as beautiful but boring.

"The Liberal Democrats are committed to changing that impression, and making Durham a beautiful and vibrant place in which to live."

Council leader Fraser Reynolds said: "We now have almost £150m of investment coming into Durham.

"The Liberal Democrats have made Durham open for business, and the new developments will create jobs and provide new opportunities for local people."