A COUNCIL official has been congratulated after picking up a national accolade.

Darlington's superintendent registrar Anthony Hall was named the country’s registrar of the year at the annual Local Authority Coordinators of Regulatory Services (Lacors) conference earlier this month.

Mr Hall joined the council in 1991 and in 2005 started working for the register office, which provides a service for the public at key events including births, deaths, marriage, civil partnership and citizenship.

He became the youngest superintendent registrar in the country last year and is credited with transforming the work and profile of Darlington's register office - a register office customer survey last year revealed 100 per cent customer satisfaction with the service.

This year was the first time Darlington Borough Council had submitted an entry to Lacors.

Mr Hall said: "My job is both a responsibility and a huge privilege. The most rewarding part of my role is undoubtedly performing ceremonies and helping the public through important and often difficult times in their lives."

Stephen Harker, the council's cabinet member for efficiency and resources, said: "This is a really tremendous achievement.

"I know Anthony and his team do an excellent job and this award is very well-deserved. Congratulations."

Darlington Register Office relocated to the Dolphin Centre in 2006 offering improved ceremony and office facilities.