NORTHWICH Town Council has been named the best in the country by the national body for local authorities.

The council picked up ‘Council of the Year’ at the National Association of Local Councils’ awards ceremony in Milton Keynes on Tuesday night.

Commended for its work putting on an eclectic events calendar, offering play areas including the refurbished paddling pool, hosting family fun days and spearheading the town’s redevelopment, the council beat competition from Northamptonshire and Somerset on the night.

Cllrs Andrew Cooper and Sam Naylor represented the council at the event and picked up the award.

Cllr Naylor said: “We had a great night, and the win was completely unexpected.

“It wasn’t nominated by Northwich Town Council – it came from the Cheshire Association of Local Councils. They thought we were a deserving nominee.

“There is no doubt that NTC is a very progressive council. We are renowned for the number of events we put on to put the town on the map.

“We have got a great clerk and his team ensure that we deliver a really good service for residents.”

A nomination statement for the council also applauded the work in promoting independent businesses and providing life-saving defibrillators – results that have been achieved through work with other organisations.

Cllr Cooper said: “We have got a really good working relationship with our partners – such as the Northwich BID, Rotary Clubs and Cheshire West and Chester Council.

“There are lots of bodies working together towards the same thing.”

Northwich is also in the running for ‘Rising Star’ high street of the year in a competition sponsored by Visa. Winners will be announced in London in November.