THE contribution of two hard-working local authority employees has been officially recognised.

Darren Hall and Amanda Coates, who both work for Richmondshire District Council, had their dedication honoured when they were presented with Excellence In Performance Awards by council chairman Campbell Dawson.

The accolades are given to staff, nominated by their managers, each quarter to recognise outstanding performance in their particular role.

Mr Hall, now head of accountancy, was praised for his leadership skills. Within a month of joining the council as finance team leader, he also took on his present duties.

"He brought stability, guidance and sound leadership to the team following a period of instability and, with no prior knowledge of the council's internal procedures and systems, produced the annual statement of accounts," said a spokesman.

Ms Coates won praise for her efficiency and hard work within the council's policy team, in particular, taking responsibility for the despatch of important consultation documents as part of the work connected with the creation of the local development framework.