BURNLEY'S Singing Ringing Tree has won a prestigious national architecture award.

The piece of art was one of three North West winners out of 14 hopefuls announced at The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) National Awards held in London.

The panopticon at Crown Point features galvanised steel tubes that sing' when the wind blows throw them.

Judges said: "It may not be a building, but the Singing Ringing Tree clearly fulfils the criteria for an architectural award, as a design which demonstrates excellence."

Projects receiving awards at RIBA's national ceremony are put on the mid-list for the RIBA Stirling Prize which will be announced on October 6 live on Channel 4.

The Stirling Prize is awarded to the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year.

The RIBA Awards are held to celebrate buildings considered to be of high architectural merit, and which make a substantial contribution to the local environment.

Roger Stephenson, chair of RIBA in the North West, said: "I'm delighted that the Singing Ringing Tree has been picked out for an RIBA National Award.

"It is an outstanding example of design excellence fully deserving all the recognition it has received."

Jack Pringle, RIBA President, said: "The RIBA's awards are about celebrating beautiful buildings that work for people. Whether it is well designed schools, which make it easier for children to learn in, or innovative arts centres, excellent housing or improved public spaces - all of which enrich people's lives."

The other two North West winners were Liverpool's Unity Building and Formby Pool.