A COUNCIL has cleaned up at the national Keep Britain Tidy Awards, taking in two prizes.

Durham County Council was named Local Authority of the Year, while its anti-fly-tipping programme Operation Stop It scooped Environmental Campaign of the Year.

The local authority of the year prize honoured the council’s commitment to protecting the environment, from new wildflower verges, to recycling promotion and support for ‘in bloom’ groups around the county.

The council was also commended for the innovative ways it deals with those who spoil the environment, such as widespread use of CCTV in hotspot areas.

Terry Collins, Durham County Council’s Chief Executive, said: “We take our responsibility as guardian of our beautiful county very seriously and it is gratifying to receive national recognition for our efforts.”

Council leader Cllr Simon Henig added: “We know the standard of entries for these awards is always very high.

“This makes it all the more pleasing to win these awards from such a respected national charity.”