The ShiNE Awards 2008, which were held at the Newcastle Gateshead Hilton Hotel, recognise the achievements, performance and improvement of the region's 25 councils and four fire and rescue services since July 2005.
The awards, which included 10 ca
tegories that reflect the commitments, areas of policy and work of North East local government, will be used to help improve the performance of local authorities through the sharing of ideas, knowledge and examples of good practice.
The district council won the Value for Money Award for its community projects which created new affordable housing, an attractive new public park and a new purpose-built council depot, all delivered at no cost to the authority or council-tax payers.
The Partnership Working Award also went to the district council (in partnership with Berwick Borough Council, Castle Morpeth Borough Council, Tynedale Council and Northumberland County Council) for St Oswald's Way, a long-distance walking route.
Judges praised the "genuinely innovative and strong partnership" and said "with a clear vision, combined with the commitment of a wide range of public and private sector partners, this project continues to deliver great results".
Berwick Borough Council's Jo's Motivation for Berwick – Jo Curtis was highly commended for the Unsung Hero Award.
Coun Mick Henry, chairman of the Association of North East Councils, said: "The ShiNE Awards 2008 showcase how the region's local authorities and fire and rescue services make a positive difference to the citizens and communities they represent.
"The ShiNE Awards not only recognise the hard work and commitment of local authorities and fire and rescue services to achieve and deliver high standards, but also contribute to their continuing improvement through the sharing of good practice, knowledge, innovation, ideas."
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