A LOCAL authority has won an international award for its environmental management and enhancement of residents' lives.

Newcastle has triumphed in the Nations in Bloom finals, in Stuttgart, Germany. The victory follows last year's winning performance in China.

This year, a delegation from the city, led by Councillor Linda Wright, of Newcastle City Council, made a 35-minute presentation before facing 20 minutes of questioning by the award's judges.

Their main resource was a specially-commissioned video about football.

Coun Wright said: "Winning the competition this year was even sweeter than last year, as there was more competition and the entries we were up against were of an extremely high standard.

Council leader Tony Flynn said: "This award, coming hot on the heels of our triple success in Northumbria in Bloom and just as we are selected to take part in next year's Britain in Bloom competition, proves how much the image of Newcastle is changing."