GLASGOW'S reputation as one of the best- lit cities in Europe has received another boost that will see the city council's lighting bosses help illuminate a South African city.

GLASGOW'S reputation as one of the best- lit cities in Europe has received another boost that will see the city council's lighting bosses help illuminate a South African city.

The council has won an international award from Lighting Urban Community International (LUCI), an organisation that brings together cities from across the world to share knowledge about town lighting.

Now, with the help of a £20,000 prize from LUCI, Glasgow's lighting experts will help shine a light on the Amatole district in Eastern Cape province.

The competition judges looked for evidence of partnership between cities from high and low income countries before awarding the prize and Glasgow came out on top.

With additional support from the Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme and independent lighting consultants, officers from Glasgow City Council will work with their Amatole counterparts and local experts to identify potential lighting projects in East London, South Africa's only river port.

The focus in Amatole will be on historical sites that could be brought to life at night, stimulating the night-time economy by attracting tourists and residents to enjoy the sights at the sites.

Glasgow and Amatole first forged links through the Commonwealth Local Government Good Practice Scheme in 2007.

It promotes the exchange of skills between local authorities to encourage innovative solutions to problems faced by local government in developing countries.

Deputy Lord Provost Allan Stewart, leader of Glasgow's lighting strategy and vice-president of LUCI, said: "Tourism is a key part of the Amatole economy.

"This equipment will help present the landmark buildings there in the best possible way and, we hope, pave the way for more visitors and more income for Amatole."

Glasgow's historic cathedral recently became the 100th building in the city to be lit as part of the council's lighting strategy.