Sunderland-based FHM North East has scooped a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (Rospa) Occupational Health and Safety Award.

FHM works with housing associations and local authorities to breathe new life into some of the North East's most run-down areas.

The Rospa Gold Medal award was presented at a ceremony at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole Hotel as part of Safety and Health Expo 2009, Europe's leading annual health and safety exhibition.

Rospa awards manager David Rawlins said: "Frank Haslam Milan has shown a commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its employees and others.

"Entering the RoSPA Awards reinforces the message that good health and safety is good for business, and clearly demonstrates an organisation's dedication to improving performance in this crucial area."

FHM North East managing director David Mellor added: "As a leader in community regeneration, the health and safety of our staff and the people who live in the communities where we work is paramount."

The awards are sponsored by the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health, the leading health and safety professional examining body, and are graded at merit, bronze, silver and gold levels.

Competitive awards go to the best entries in 21 individual industry sectors such as construction, healthcare, transport and logistics, engineering, manufacturing and education.