A NORTH-EAST project has won a major accolade as runner-up in the international Green Apple Awards for environmental best practice.
Trophies were presented at a prizegiving ceremony in London by actress and environmental campaigner Toyah Willcox.
The judges said: "Coal was the lifeblood of Durham for generations, but it left some terrible scars in its wake.
"Turning the Tide is a partnership of 14 organisations which, with the help of National Lottery funding, has set about redressing the balance.
"At the height of production, 2.4m tonnes of colliery spoil were tipped directly into the North Sea at four points.
"Thanks to the ongoing efforts of Turning the Tide, these open sores of industrial heritage are being removed and converted into environmental beauty spots."
More than 180 councils throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were nominated for this year's awards, which are in their eighth year.
Chairman of the judges Michael Cooke said: "The aim of the Green Apple Awards is to recognise and reward environmental best practice, and then to publicise the efforts of our winners so that others might learn from their successful environmental endeavours."
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