TOWN planners have launched an award competition for the North-East.

The northern branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute has unveiled Planning with Communities as the theme for the 2001 awards scheme.

Each year, the branch chooses a different theme for the awards.

Leaflets describing the scheme have been circulated to all the main local authorities and planning departments in the region.

Any member of the public, community group, professional planner or related professional is welcome to nominate a scheme for the award, with entries submitted by May 12.

For further information, write to Chris Clarke at 22 Newbrough Crescent, Newcastle