A COUNCIL has been praised for supporting the local economy.

Durham County Council has been working to spend more of its money within the county, through its Social Value Taskforce.

This has meant trying to ensure local firms can tender for the supply of goods.

The work has been recognised by the Cabinet Office, which has given Durham a Social Value Leadership Award.

Cabinet member Cllr Neil Foster said: “Our social value taskforce has seen County Durham lead the way in making sure local businesses and residents benefit even more from council spending so we’re delighted that our hard work has been recognised with this award.”