A COMMUNITY body in north Durham has achieved Quality Council Status. The award which was approved by the County Accreditation Panel for Lanchester Parish Council.

To successfully achieve the award, the parish council had to satisfy the panel that they fulfilled ten criteria.

Chairman Councillor Ossie Johnson said: "This is a great achievement for Lanchester Parish Council and demonstrates that the council is effective and in touch with its community."

Lanchester Parish Council was officially presented with their certificate at the County Durham Association of Local Councils AGM on Saturday.

In acquiring Quality Status, the council has demonstrated that they are representative of their community, competent and capable of taking on an enhanced role.

Council clerk Sally Laverick said: "In achieving Quality Status, the council has had to look carefully at how it operates. "It has meant introducing new policies and procedures and proving that the Council operates in a clear and transparent manner."