BURNLEY shopping centre has scooped this year's Mayor's Award for Excellence - after the scheme was extended to include major improvement projects carried out in the last quarter of the old millennium.

Mayor Coun Eddie Fisk considered the £13million facelift of the '60s-built centre in the late 1990s had a dramatic impact on the town.

The pedestrianisation of St James' Street provided people with a safer and more attractive shopping environment and had been the catalyst for further town centre improvements.

Coun Fisk said the extensive refurbishment of the Charter Walk shopping centre carried out by owners Great Portland Estates included improved shop frontages and glazed canopies and attractive paving.

Said Coun Fisk: "The whole scheme was carried out to a very high standard, uplifting the centre and inspiring the confidence and support of shopkeepers, residents and visitors.

"Burnley's image has been given a welcome boost and our centre is now one which we can be proud of and which will take us confidently into the new millennium."

The award scheme, now in its 14th year, was established to acknowledge high standards of design, planning and social awareness.

Two projects will receive Highly Commended awards - environmental improvements in Hapton and the refurbishment of Burnley Wharf in Manchester Road.

The awards will be handed out at a ceremony in the mayor's parlour at the town hall on Tuesday.