WARRINGTON'S distinctive River of Life has been honoured in a national award ceremony.

The Civic Trust Awards, announced last night at a function in London, acknowledge the best in British architecture and design. And the town's tribute to Warrington bombing victims Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball received special mention.

Clr Mike Hannon, chairman of the Community Services Committee, said: "I think the award is absolutely fabulous for Warrington.

"The town, the artist and all of the schools involved can take a great deal of pleasure from this."

The creative sculpture, opened by the Duchess of Kent in 1996, was created by artist Stephen Broadbent with the help of hundreds of children from 12 schools. After initial concern about the construction work involved the River has become an integral part of Bridge Street and has inspired council chiefs to look at further measures to make the town centre more attractive and successful.

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