A project to bring vacant and derelict land back into use has won an international award.

According to the BBC, the Glasgow-wide Stalled Spaces scheme was given the 2013 City to City Barcelona FAD (Fostering Arts and Design) Award.

The initiative aims to provide funding and ideas for local people to transform empty and unproductive land into a community space, such as green space or a play area.

The project was initially developed after numerous sites across the city were left discarded as a result of the credit crunch.

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Each year, the prize is awarded by Barcelona City Hall and the FAD to recognise the "urban transformation" efforts of a city, and the jury praised Glasgow for its work. It was also commended for allowing local people to take over the vacant sites.

City council Baillie Liz Cameron said: "Above all, we are seeking, through the improvement of the spaces, open to the people of Glasgow, to activate the economy and the vitality of our communities.

"Glasgow is acting as a role model, inspiring other cities and promoting best practice to other European cities."

The Stalled Spaces Initiative began in 2010 and was established by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Housing Association.

(JP/MH)