A CENTRE for battered and abused women has won a national award.

My Sister's Place, based in Middlesbrough, has been recognised by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.

The Award for Excellence in Counselling and Psychotherapy was given for its work supporting female survivors of domestic violence and abuse.

My Sister's Place was established in 2004 following requests from women who felt they needed specialised support in dealing with the psychological impacts of trauma.

Counselling servicemanager Ejaye Moran said: "We feel this award recognises and reflects our organisation's ongoing commitment and dedication to providing and maintaining a very specialised and effective therapeutic service, which we feel delivers exceptional and measurable outcomes while remaining informed by, and responsive to, the changing needs of our clients."