The watchmaking town of Grenchen in northwestern Switzerland was presented with the prestigious Wakker Heritage Prize on Saturday.

The award is made annually by the Swiss Heritage Society (SHS) to a town or village in recognition of successful town planning developments.

SHS president Philippe Biéler praised Grenchen in particular for its thoughtful renovation of several of its post-war buildings, and to the way it had enhanced its streets and squares.

In accepting the prize the mayor, Boris Banga, said he regarded it not only as a reward for past efforts, but as an encouragement to continue in the same way.

Grenchen is located at the foot of the Jura mountains. It is a relatively young town, which has developed as a watchmaking centre over the last 150 years. Its image suffered during the recession of the industry in the 1980s.

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