TWELVE council officers responsible for collecting £60m a year in taxes are celebrating after winning a Government award.

The revenues team at Hambleton District Council has been given Charter Mark status, a nationally recognised standard of excellence in customer service.

Council tax collection rates in Hambleton are in the top five per cent and business rates in the top 25 per cent of all local authorities in the UK.

Cabinet member for housing, Councillor David Blades praised the service for its efficiency.