AN award scheme has recognised the efforts of businesses in supporting art projects in the region.

The Sponsors Club for Arts and Business presented the awards to the Old Well Inn, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and Cornwell Internet, in Durham, for sponsoring local art initiatives and groups.

The award scheme is designed to encourage businesses to support arts projects, and the Sponsors Club match the sponsorship offered.

The Old Well Inn sponsored productions put on by the Castle Players theatre group for three years, helping to pay for promotional material for performances.

Cornwell Internet has been praised for sponsoring the Durham City Arts' Literature Festival, which featured readings from three nationally-acclaimed poets.

Anna Rabley, who received the award on behalf of the Old Well Inn, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised for our sponsorship, and we enjoyed our partnership with the Castle Players."