A COUNCIL'S information and technology team has become the first in the region to receive a Government award.

The IT team at Chester-le-Street District Council has been presented with the Charter Mark by the Cabinet Office in recognition of its work to improve customer service.

Over the past three years, the service has improved its Audit Commission rating from weak to excellent.

Among the improvements highlighted were the provision of the council's website, the creation of a community website for the village of Grange Villa, the provision of software for teenagers in community centres, and the donation of old computer equipment to community groups.

Graeme Clark, ICT manager at the council, said: "We are thrilled with the Charter Mark accreditation as it is a just reward for the hard work put in by our team.

"Our efforts are focused wholly on delivering the best possible service to our customers by enabling them to access technology."

Councillor Steve Barr, portfolio holder for community engagement and partnership working, said: "Customers already benefit from the council's ICT team's excellent service, so this award gives official recognition to their efforts.

"Quite often, ICT teams work away from the glitz and glamour associated with other types of work, and I am really glad that customers benefit from the team's professionalism, both within, and outside the council."