Visual applications specialist Direct Visual has received a prestigious accolade in recognition of its commitment to an innovative partnership to raise standards in education.

The company was presented with the Videoconferencing Project of the Year Award at a glittering awards ceremony in Newport, Wales, hosted by leading media title AV Magazine.

The awards are recognised as "The Oscars" of the audio visual industry, rewarding unique and innovative applications of visual technology.

Direct Visual was acclaimed for its involvement in the Durham ICT Testbed Project - a DfES-funded initiative designed to demonstrate the impact that high levels of investment in ICT can have on raising standards of attainment across the curriculum.

The award judges commented: "Direct Visual's project is a good example of low-cost videoconferencing systems being used for the benefit of school children in a rural area. It is a model that can be repeated anywhere, and giving access to this kind of technology to schools is of long-term benefit to both the pupils and the industry."

Direct Visual equipped 11 schools across County Durham with videoconferencing systems, interactive whiteboards and plasma screens. The links have been used to teach foreign languages, to quiz a TV star and an MP and to find out about life and culture in Tanzania.

Co-ordinator of the Durham project Phill Smith explains: "This new technology is opening up a whole range of exciting opportunities for the children. - stimulating their imagination and proving to be of immense value in enhancing the whole learning experience.

"We were at the Durham Headteachers' Conference when we heard the news that we had won the award, and everyone was thrilled to bits. We couldn't have got to where we are today with the project without Direct Visual. I have quite simply run out of superlatives to describe the support and commitment we get from the company."

Direct Visual Chairman Mike Phillips comments: "We are all extremely delighted to have won this award. It is clear proof of the quality of our product offering and a testament of the teamwork involved in ensuring the outstanding success of the Durham project."