EFFORTS to breathe new life into the centre of Sunderland could earn the city an award.

The city council has been shortlisted by the Government for Beacon Council status in the culture, sport and tourism category because of its regeneration initiatives.

The scheme was launched to select leading councils to be centres of excellence and to help spread the best practice they have developed.

Sunderland is one of only seven councils to be nominated for the award in the category.

Its chief executive, Colin Sinclair, said: "We take regeneration very seriously in Sunderland, as has been shown by our shortlisting."

A final announcement will be made by the Government in January.