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Digital Birmingham has won a National eGovernment Award 2008, in the category "Building a fairer society through ICT and eGovernment Services" for its Aston Pride Computers in the Home project. Being one of the winners, Digital Birmingham, along with the schools involved, pupils, parents, the local authority, local universities, e-learning foundation and IT companies, has received the UK's highest level commendation for the best e-Government and technology-driven services - services which, through innovative online delivery or IT implementation, have positively transformed the lives of citizens, local communities, business and stakeholder groups.

All 68 finalists, across 11 categories, attended a glittering awards ceremony at London's Guildhall on 20th January. The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, addressed the ceremony via video link, saying "the 2008 awards saw a record number of nominations from across the country - individuals, teams and organisations who are using new technologies in innovative and creative ways to deliver better public services. When times are tough, as they are now, it is more important than ever for government to work as smoothly and efficiently as possible, so it's good to see technology providing real efficiency gains at the same time as increasing the effectiveness of services. "

His Cabinet Office Minister for Digital Engagement and Civil Services, Tom Watson MP, was there to present the winners with their awards. "While there is still plenty more can be done, these awards show that a huge amount of fantastic, innovative work is going on across the country to ensure that the best advice, information and services are easily available in a way that fits in with busy and diverse modern lifestyles. The winners, and all the nominees, should be very proud of what they have achieved." Mr Watson said.

Digital Birmingham beat off stiff competition from its accompanying finalists, the Department for Children, Schools & Families (DCSF), Greater Norwich Housing Partnership, Milton Keynes Council, Royal National Institute of Blind People Cymru, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and UK Online Centres to win the coverted award.

The Aston Pride project was, and continues to be, a ground breaking example of how ICT can support childrens learning to the benefit of the whole community.