A LOCAL authority has received an award for its work in helping councillors improve their skills.

Chester-le-Street District Council has been presented the North-East Charter for Member Development for its work offering training and development courses to councillors.

The training programme helps elected members enhance their effectiveness as councillors and community leaders.

Areas covered include equality and diversity training, contaminated land, licensing, constitutional training, housing allocations policy and information technology.

The award has been developed by the North-East Regional Employers' Organisation and the Improvement and Development Agency.

Councillor Linda Ebbatson, leader of the council, said: "I'm really pleased with the outcome of the assessment.

"It is another public acknowledgement of the council's achievements and recognises the major contribution that councillors make to people's lives in the district."

Alison Swinney, head of organisational development, added: "The council's officers are equally supportive of staff and members, and this charter further strengthens the council's position to improve itself."