The town of Dungannon, Co Tyrone, has been voted "World's Most Liveable Community" for the second year in a row.
Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council picked up a gold award at the 2006 international 'LivCom' awards for Liveable Communities in Hangzhou, China, for the town's commitment to the environment, heritage and the quality of life of its citizens.
The awards, the world's only scheme focusing on best practice in management of the local environment, were begun in 1997 and are endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme.
This year, Dungannon faced opposition from Clonakilty in Co Cork, Ucleulet and St Walburg in Canada, Muskiz in Spain, Aylsham in England, and Tyri in Estonia.
Dungannon mayor Jim Hamilton said the award reflected the commitment of council to community involvement, sustainability and heritage management.
Mr Hamilton said he was particularly pleased that "Craig's Bog", a former dumping ground that is now an environmental area and education point, had been recognised in the award.
Some 50 countries take part in the awards programme.
