THE leader of a council has come under attack after announcing plans to honour the great and good of her district.

Councillor Melva Steckles, the leader of Richmondshire District Council, unveiled the plans for the 2007 Citizenship Awards at a meeting of the council on Tuesday night.

The awards will celebrate individuals, groups and initiatives that make the district a better place to live.

But despite councillors showing support for the idea, some said the decision had been made undemocratically.

Councillor Jane Parlour said at the meeting: "There is a proper process and protocol. You must adhere to that and consult within the council first before you go public with an idea. You have had a brainwave and stuck it in the public domain.

"You are doing this again and again - you have an idea and you run with it. That is just not the way you are supposed to be as leader of this council, and I am very disappointed with that. It is a good idea, but this is the wrong presentation of it."

Councillor Stuart Parsons said: "I do applaud the idea, but I think the leader had completely missed the council out again in making this an inclusive decision.

"Put it through the appropriate committee so we know who is actually making these decisions."

Coun Steckles said last night: "I hope all members will support what is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the wonderful work that goes on in the district.

"In the work that I do in the community, I come across so many people who do remarkable things, often without giving it a second thought. The role of the council is to provide services and support for the people who live and work in the district, and these new awards will give them the recognition they so richly deserve."

The awards will be in four categories: Young person of the year, volunteer of the year, community initiative of the year and entrepreneur of the year.

Nomination forms will shortly be available at www.richmond shire.gov.uk, and in council offices.

Any individual, group or organisation can make a nomination.

All nominations must be received by November 30, and will be considered by a small panel of councillors.