ONE of County Durham's smallest councils has been presented with a Government award for its work in the community.

Esh Parish Council is the first in Derwentside and only the sixth in County Durham to be awarded Quality Parish Council Status.

The benchmark award, which has been presented to only five per cent of the country's 8,500 parish and town councils, recognises that Esh is representative, in touch with its community, competent and capable of taking on additional responsibilities for the benefit of its electorate.

The award means that the parish can now hold discussions with both Durham County Council and Derwentside District Council about the possible delivery of more local services, either separately or in partnership with them.

Council chairman Alan Mollon said "Over the years, we have worked hard to maintain and improve the services we provide for the benefit of our community.

"This accreditation is the highest accolade any town or parish council can achieve and is confirmation that Esh Parish Council is one of the best local councils in the country.

"I would like to thank the parish clerk, Geoff Smith, for all his hard work over the past 18 months. My thanks also to other councillors and staff for their valuable contributions."

Councillor William Waters, chairman of the County Durham Association of Local Councils, said: "A lot of hard work and commitment is required to obtain this status."