A FIRM of architects has won an award for the £250,000 Sure Start building in Redcar.

Browne Smith Baker has been presented with a Redcar and Cleveland Good Design Award for the building, designed in the shape of sails.

Lakeside Families Plus Centre - now the home of the West Redcar Sure Start scheme - is on the site of Lakes Primary School, in West Dyke Road, Redcar.

Malcolm Robinson, senior architect at Browne Smith Baker, in Darlington, said: "Our remit in this development was to provide a great facility for the community and a place which would provide support to families.

"We wanted to design something that was not only functional but was also a place that reflected the people who would use it. As a result, the exterior design, which was inspired by a ship's sails, has a very seaside feel to it."

Canopies aim to protect the building from the elements while helping to keep the building cool in the summer. Under-floor heating helps to maximize space while removing the danger of children touching hot radiators.

The building has a crche for 13 children, an outdoor play area, consultation and training rooms and offices.

Sure Start West Redcar programme manager Vanessa Newlands said: "We are using the centre every day and the reaction has been fantastic. The building is beautiful."