A MODEST East Durham enterprise has received an award for its success in getting people back into employment.

The organisation beat off strong regional competition to secure a top trophy from the Northern Branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

And at a special ceremony, Murton Community Enterprise and Resource Centre was hailed the most outstanding entry in the Getting the Region to Work Awards.

A central theme of this year's award scheme was the "helping people back to work'' element.

The District of Easington's centre at Murton was chosen from 13 others from all over the northern region.

The president of the Royal Town Planning Institute, Kevin Murray, travelled to Murton to present the certificate.

Two rundown and derelict buildings were demolished to make way for the £300,000 Murton centre, which is situated in the heart of the former pit village.

The Woods Terrace premises now boast five office suites, let at low rates to encourage new businesses, and a conference room facility. Four firms and the local parish council operate from the premises. As well as the town council jobs, 12 full-time and two part-time jobs have been created.

Further accommodation in the building has been earmarked for a district council helping hand office for housing and council tax queries, a Citizen's Advice Bureau section and community health services.

In their assessment, judges of the awards scheme said: "There are many small settlements in the Northern region which have been hard hit by economic problems, leading to social and environmental decline.

"But few have been fortunate enough to benefit from such a successful - and impressive - comprehensive regeneration scheme as the centre in Murton.''

While welcoming the award, the executive director of Easignton District Council, Bill Scorer, said: "This scheme is just part of the wider Murton Regeneration Project, which ha been under way since 1996.

An award was also given to the TEDCO Business Works in South Shields