Seven councils in the North-East and North Yorkshire are on a shortlist of best-performing local authorities bidding for Government awards.
They have graduated to the next round of the Government's Beacon Council scheme, in which the winners will be presented as role models.
The Deputy Prime Minister's Office said they showed evidence of excellence and a commitment to spreading best practice in a range of services.
Darlington, Derwentside, Middlesbrough, Richmondshire, Stockton, Sunderland and Tynedale councils were among 77 authorities through to the next round. The winners will be announced in April.
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