A CALENDAR featuring striking shots of buildings in Durham has been honoured for the second year running.

Images of Durham shows the more unusual characteristics of the city.

It has proved extremely popular with residents and tourists and has experienced record sales as well as world-wide distribution.

Durham City Councillor Bob Wynn, the council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: "The Images of Durham calendar has become a much loved local publication.

"However it is equally important in promoting our city world-wide as a wonderful place to visit or invest in."

Durham City Council's promotional calendar won at the National Business Calendars Awards 2004 ceremony held at the London College of Printing.

It won a certificate of merit in the Pictorial Bespoke Section.

This seeks to identify publications which, in the words of the judging panel, "offer a clear and unambiguous statement about the company and their products."

This year's calendar, designed by the environmental services department with photographs from Royston Thomas, concentrated on buildings in Durham which are infrequently seen by the public but are available to all on Heritage Open Days.

The council was the only local authority to win and it joins other winners including: Rolls Royce, the Pirelli Calendar, Official MCC, Lord of the Rings and Virgin Atlantic.