'Best shopping centre' IN THE WORLD: Leeds's Victoria Gate wins international award

Leeds's Victoria Gate shopping centre has been named as the best in the world at a prestigious international awards ceremony in France.

The Â£165m development, in the city centre, opened in 2016 and features a flagship John Lewis store, casino and diamond-shaped cladding on the outside frame.

Tonight (Thursday) it was named as Best Shopping Centre at the MIPIM Awards 2017 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

MIPIM is a four-day international property event, held in March every year, which includes exhibitions, conferences and awards.

Organisers said on Twitter: "Jolly good show! Best Shopping Centre: Victoria Gate (UK)."

The shopping centre was developed by Hammerson Plc, alongside architect firm Acme London.

After receiving the award, Hammerson said on Twitter: "Delighted that @VictoriaLeeds_ has won the prestigious MIPIM Award for Best Shopping Centre! Well done to the team and @acme_london"

Crowds of shoppers and families packed into Leeds city centre near George Street for the official opening of the shopping centre in October last year.