THE first town centre 30mph zone in the county has won a national award.

The development in High Street, Rushden, won one of 20 awards from Redland Precast.

The zone replaced the criticised pedestrianised area and included putting in bollards, realigning kerbs and creating road humps.

At the award presentation ceremony, chairman of East Northants Council Alan Mantle said: "Rushden people are happy with this scheme.

"It's improved the environment and is a job well done."

The zone is part of a county council scheme to cut accident rates in Northants by a third within the next seven years.

MUCH IMPROVED ... county councillor Benjamin Smith, front row, left, receives the award and certificate from Redland Precast's Michael Tattan. Ffront far left, Harry Graham and Alan Mantle, right, look on.