A NORTH-EAST city was bursting with civic pride last night after scooping its second national award in two months.

Hot on the heels of its success in the Britain in Bloom awards - it was voted best large city - Sunderland's Tourist Information Centre has been hailed the best in the business.

The centre, in Fawcett Street, scooped the Best Tourist Information Centre of the Year title in awards run by the English Tourism Council.

It beat off competition from Bournemouth on the south coast and Greenwich in London, home to attractions including the Millennium Dome.

Centre manager Carol Walsh said: "We are delighted to win this prestigious award.

Julie Elliott, city centre marketing manager, said: "Winning the award is a fantastic achievement for the team."

The city council hopes the success, along with its Nice One Sunderland marketing campaign, will draw more visitors.

Ms Elliott said: "Over the last few years, major attractions such as the National Glass Centre, the Stadium of Light and Mowbray Park have opened, while exciting new developments like the Winter Gardens are set to follow next year.

"We aim to use these as a springboard to attract short-break holidaymakers and business visitors."