A NORTH-EAST scheme for sustainable communities will serve as a model at this week's international summit in South Africa.

More than 60,000 delegates from more than 175 nations are attending the United Nations' World Summit on Sustainable Development, in Johannesburg.

Among projects being showcased will be County Durham's Local Agenda 21, which will be held up as a model of good practice.

David Miller, Durham County Council's head of environment, will promote the partnership's new document, Sense and Sustainability, celebrating its rapid growth over the past eight years, highlighting some of its initiatives, and setting targets for future development.

He said: "As an example of sustainable development in action, the work of the partnership has few parallels.

"It has scooped a string of European, national and international awards and demonstrated that it is possible to make sustainable development a reality.

"The partnership has grown to well over 1,800 organisations and indivi-duals, all working together for a more sustainable future for the county."

With a membership of 275 businesses, more than 200 community groups, 360 schools, and more than 100 district, town and parish councils, the partnership has been commended as the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Europe.

Mr Miller said: "All the projects are unique and are making a significant impact in the move towards a more sustainable future.

"There could be no more appropriate place to promote Sense and Sustainability than at the world summit in Johannesburg."

* On Saturday, The Northern Echo reported how Northumbrian Water environment director, Dr Chris Spray, will address the summit on his company's environmental work in the region on Saturday