HELPFUL residents were presented with certificates yesterday recognising their efforts.

Easington District Council recently underwent the first stage of a Best Value review to decide if the housing services it delivers could be improved.

As part of the process, a steering group of council staff, residents, and councillors was set up, and residents were asked to join other working groups to look in detail at the provision of various housing services.

Yesterday, those who took part were presented with certificates in recognition of their assistance by the council's chairman, Jeff Gray, and Alan Caygill, director of housing and public services.

Mr Caygill said: "The council wants to provide the best possible housing service for its residents and needs to know what they want. It is therefore very important that tenants are involved in the best value review of the housing service."