SUNDERLAND City Council has been given a Beacon award for its efforts to breathe new life into the city.

It is one of only four places in the country to win the status for regeneration through culture, sport and tourism.

The council's work has included the reclamation of the former Wearmouth Colliery to pave the way for the construction of the Stadium of Light, transforming the former colliery at Silksworth into a sports centre and its involvement in the National Glass Centre.

Chief executive Colin Sinclair said: "Our bid was founded on continuing efforts to celebrate and retain our heritage, at the same time as developing and investing in the future, so we can hand on our excellent cultural and sporting assets.''

Council leader Colin Anderson said: "Sunderland has worked very hard to transform itself into a vibrant progressive city.