A COMMUNITY undergoing a multi-million pound facelift has enjoyed a royal celebration.

The West Middlesbrough New Deal for Communities regeneration programme, which focuses on Whinney Banks, West Lane and Newport, recently won top marks for building community relationships.

The project was awarded a Band A performance status by the Government Office North-East for its work in including all residents in the scheme, reducing unemployment and improving the delivery of services to the community.

Yesterday, the New Deals partnership organised a jubilee celebration in the grounds of Middlesbrough's Macmillan College, with entertainment, children's sports and stalls. The event was opened by Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon.

He said: "This is not only a celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee, but of the tremendous community spirit that prevails in west Middlesbrough."

Resident Joan Ford, a spokeswoman for the organisers, said: "We really wanted to celebrate the golden jubilee in style, by holding an event for everyone in the area to enjoy.

"In the true spirit of jubilee year, people from all sides of the community have joined together to organise this event.

"We would like to thank all those residents, local businesses and partners who have been involved, and those who have donated prizes.'