TWO North Yorkshire councils are among 80 local authorities around the country short-listed for Beacon status by the Government.

Richmondshire District Council is being considered for its work supporting the rural economy.

Chief Executive, Harry Tabiner, said he hoped that the authority had earned a reputation for innovation, with a track record for delivering projects on the ground.

"With our limited resources, our strategy is to work with others to identify community needs," he said.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Hambleton District Council is also in the running for its record in tackling homelessness.

The authority has already won an award for developing community safety in rural areas and hopes beacon status would recognise its "flexible and innovative approach".

A strategy is to be launched in the New Year and it is hoped homeless people will no longer be using bed-and-breakfast accommodation in the district by 2004.

Each will prepare presentations on its themes before they are inspected and awards are confirmed in April.