THE brains behind local government finance in Richmondshire have been nominated for an award.

The district council's finance department is the only council team to win recognition for high service levels and saving public money in the Excellence Yorkshire Awards, which are run by the Bradford University Management School.

Representatives have been invited to a presentation ceremony in Harrogate next month, where they will be rewarded for projects, which have included rescheduling Richmondshire's debt, saving taxpayers £160,000.

Other initiatives which drew the judge's eye were partnerships with local firms to cut business rates, management of the Hardship Relief Scheme in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis, and the unit's role in piloting the Audit Commission's new inspection and audit system.

The department may also be in the running for the annual Finance Team of the Year Award, offered by the Local Government Chronicle.

District council chief executive, Harry Tabiner, said: "The Excellence Award is justifiably deserved. The team has worked very hard to achieve clear budgeting, good core services and value for money."