CLAYPORT in Durham was this week named as the best new library in the British Isles.

The library, part of the Millennium City project off Claypath, replaced the former South Street premises when officially opened by the Queen in May last year.

A multi-million pound project, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, it was named as winner of the 2003 Public Library Building Award on Tuesday.

Clayport manager June Gowland was presented with the accolade at the Library Council Awards, which is part of the annual Public Library Conference in Torquay.

It emerged ahead of 33 nominated libraries, including entries from Dublin, Norwich and Bournemouth, in the section for the best new public library in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Ms Gowland said she believes the Clayport development has 'significantly changed people's lives in a positive way'.

She said: "The whole team is absolutely delighted to have won this prestigious award. It's tremendous accolade from our peers."

Durham County Council cultural services director Patrick Conway, who was in Torquay for the awards ceremony, said: "The challenge was to fuse a vibrant 21st Century learning experience with the enduring values of public libraries, mediated support, civic space and a reflective and contemplative environment.

"Users and visitors suggest that challenge has just about been met." County council leader Ken Manton said: "Clayport Library, and indeed the library service throughout County Durham, sets a benchmark for the county council to be an excellent local authority working for our residents, visitors and communities."

Durham MP Gerry Steinberg joined in the eulogies, saying: "Clayport is a building and service of quality, in keeping with Durham's World Heritage site status."

During its first year in operation the library saw a 44 per cent increase in book issues and a 190 per cent increase for audio-visual items.

Its three floors house a digital media suite with a bank of computers, traditional lending and reference areas and sections dedicated to children and young people.