More than 18,000 street lights will be replaced

The government award is the latest to be made to councils in the north-east of England this year.

South Tyneside Council will use the �27.9m grant to replace more than 18,000 street lighting columns and install a further 5,700.

Earlier this year Newcastle, North Tyneside and Sunderland councils received almost �330m under a government scheme to tackle outdated street lighting.

The cash will be used to help pay private firms to do necessary work.

Announcing the new funding, Transport Minister Kim Howells said: "This is good news for South Tyneside. The street lighting scheme means better and safer roads for drivers and pedestrians alike."

South Tyneside Council says the project will help reduce crime, encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport.

The borough is the 10th UK local authority to receive cash for street lighting schemes.

The government says �1bn is needed to improve street lighting throughout the country.