TWO East Lancashire arts projects have been praised for "inspiring the region" at a prestigious awards ceremony.

A volunteer from Clayton-Le-Moors and the Panopticons Project were given national recognition for excellence at the North West's 'art07' awards ceremony, winning two categories - 'Unsung Hero' and 'Totally Inspired'.

The ceremony, which was held in Manchester and hosted by writer and comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli from BBC1's One Show, was organised by the Arts Council England, North West.

Volunteer Yvonne Wilson from Clayton-Le-Moors scooped the 'Unsung Hero' award for her work with the Friends of Mercer Park scheme, particularly the annual festival Lark in the Park.

She is also the inspiration behind the development of a sculptural Sensory Garden for partially sighted and disabled people.

Yvonne said: "It is credit to all of us involved in the Friends of Mercer Park project, which is such a worthwhile organisation to be a part of.

"It is wonderful to give something back to the community and then be rewarded for it."

Mid Pennine Arts won the 'Totally Inspired' category, for its Panopticons Project which aimed to see a piece of public art in each of East Lancashire's boroughs.

The 'Singing Ringing Tree' is the latest project to be completed at Crown Point, Burnley, which makes a mysterious low-pitched sound as wind blows through its 'branches'.

Others include 'Colourfields' in Blackburn, flying saucer-style Halo in Haslingden, and the 'Atom' structure in Pendle.

Nick Hunt of Mid Pennine Arts said: "Panopticons has been a brilliant project, but a hugely ambitious one for Mid Pennine Arts and all our partners.

"Getting there has demanded four years of hard work, persistence and a fair bit of bravery.

"The Art 07 award is recognition of all that and it means a lot to us.

"I hope it will inspire even more people to visit a Panopticon, and to discover Pennine Lancashire."