DURHAM County Council's new-look old people's homes have won a second award - this time from surveyors.
The network of extra care developments won gold in the community benefit category at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Northern Region 2004 Renaissance Awards.
The Southfield Lodge development, in Crook, had previously won the older people category in the NHS Health and Social Care Awards.
The council's controversial decision to demolish its traditional old people's homes and replace them with extra care homes attracted legal challenges from residents.
But the authority says the new homes, built with the Hanover Housing Association, provide the sort of accommodation today's pensioners want and allow them to live independently but with care at hand.
The developments, containing self-contained flats, offer 24-hour personal support and provide companionship while residents retain the option of keeping their privacy.
Work is under way on the latest development, at Barnard Castle, which is expected to open in July.
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