THE director of a project to help people out of the fuel poverty trap has received an award for her work in Stockton.

Becky Brown collected the title of manager of the year in the awards run by the Institute of Gas Engineers and Managers and the Society of British Gas Industries.

The title was in recognition of her work in the Transco sponsored Stockton Warm Zone project. During the first year, she has managed to generate high levels of media coverage, raising the public's perception of both fuel poverty and energy efficiency.

Stockton Warm Zone is a Government initiative, in conjunction with Transco and Stockton Borough Council, which aims to lift thousands of people out of the fuel poverty trap over three years.

In the first year more than 12,000 households have been assessed for home efficiency grants, 4,343 properties have been fitted with insulation and draught-proofing and 848 homes have been fitted with new central heating systems.

In addition, more than 20 unemployed people have found work either with the project or with one of its contractors.

Ms Brown was seconded to the project from Transco just over a year ago from her post as the company's head of investor relations.

She said: "I am absolutely thrilled with the award. The project has been a big team effort and I'm very proud for them.

"This is about everyone's achievement and the trophy is taking pride of place in our office."