Champions of modern design have taken centre stage at an inaugural awards ceremony.

The first Bradford District Design Awards brought together dozens of architects and contractors at City Hall last night.

Twenty-four entries were received but the lion's share of the glory went to Bradford Council whose designers picked up two awards, for Lister Park Boathouse and Bradford City Park.

Chairman of the judges, Allan Booth, of Bradford branch of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said: "It was extremely difficult to choose two winners from such a high quality field of entries.

"However, the Boathouse and City Park schemes are spectacular examples of design which complement their surroundings.

"The awards aim to showcase the work of local design professionals and their contribution to the development of the district and we hope they will raise awareness of the benefits that good design can bring to a place and its people."

Winners were chosen from four categories - new build, landscaping works, conserved and altered buildings and small works.

Council leader Margaret Eaton said: "The district is renowned for its wonderful architectural heritage and these excellence awards reflect the strong contribution that modern design is making to the local landscape.

"I am delighted to see the Council designers taking their fair share of the honours alongside the work of commercial practices.

"Encouraging good and lasting designs is vital if we are to deliver Bradford's 2020 Vision to create a more attractive district."

Lister Park Boathouse triumphed in the new build category and Bradford City Park, next to City Hall, in landscaping works.

West Lane Baptist Church, Haworth, was commended in the conserved and altered buildings category with the Yorkshire Craft Centre achieving the same level in small works. The event was put together by the Bradford branch of RIBA and Bradford Council and are sponsored by Yorkshire Building Society.

David Holmes, the society's corporate communications manager, said: "Awards like these and continuing investment by developers and businesses is essential if we are to create a climate where local designers can make their mark."

The panel of judges included representatives from Bradford RIBA, Yorkshire Building Society, the Council and the Telegraph & Argus.

The awards were open to schemes which were completed between the beginning of 1996 and the end of last year.