HARD work during a Government inspection earned awards for four Richmondshire District Council employees.

Jane Ringer was praised for her contribution to the housing submission for the authority's comprehensive performance assessment, Rachel Bowles worked on the authority's community strategy, Emma Clark provided administrative support, while caretaker Hilda Neasham was honoured for helping with the logistical arrangements while the inspectors were at the council.

"An exercise like this creates a tremendous amount of work for any organisation and we rely on people to put in that extra effort," said Richmondshire District Council chairman, Councillor Michael Heseltine.

"Everyone worked hard and our staff were excellent ambassadors throughout the process."