A YOUNG woman who led the transformation of the the Forth and Clyde Canal has been named the UK's top young planner.

Heather Claridge, who works at Glasgow City Council, was the lead officer for the Glasgow Canal Project which saw the once derelict canal into a cultural district.

The urban planner secured over £3.5 million worth of funding to bring green space to some of the most deprived communities in the region and developed the award winning Stalled Spaces programme which supported over 130 community led projects.

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On top of that, Heather developed partnership projects for the Glasgow’s 2014 Commonwealth Games Greener Legacy Theme.

The council worker was named Young Planner of the Year at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2018 held at a ceremony in London.

Craig McLaren FRTPI, RTPI Awards Advisor said: “Heather’s passion for planning is reflected in the outstanding calibre of her work, studies and volunteering.

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"Her creative use of planning to improve her community is matched by her drive to get things done. She is a fantastic ambassador for the profession across the UK.”