WORCESTER'S long-awaited Quayhead project has been given the seal of approval in a national competition.

The project, on Worcester's South Quay, which was switched on in December has been given a commendation by the Local Government News Street Design Competition for 2002.

The judges of the national design competition commented on the "extremely high standard of entrants, excellent creative vision and good use of quality products".

It also received the highest-ever number of entrants, with a total of 45 projects entering this year.

The £400,000 project, which was completed in March of this year, was undertaken in partnership with The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.

Now an extremely popular area with a fountain as its centrepiece, there is a nearby cafe, The Quay, plus new paving and seating.

The scheme has proved popular with both residents and tourists by linking together St Andrew's Gardens with the riverside.

Chris Dobbs, landscape architect for Worcester City Council said the council was delighted by the accolade.

"We are thrilled that the Quayhead scheme has been honoured by such a prestigious national award. Its careful design and impressive impact on the city has won praise from not only local people but visitors to the city. This award is the icing on the cake!" he said.

The project's unveiling almost had to be cancelled due to the action of vandals shortly before it was launched, when they broke into a control box at the Quayhead fountain and began running the pumps without any water.

However, it was saved after a replacement pump was sent in from Germany.

The funding was raised due to a £60,000 donation from entrepreneur Cecil Duckworth together with Lottery grants.