Kirklees council has been named the best local authority in the country, it has been revealed.

Those working for the Yorkshire public sector group received the Council of the Year prize at a Local Government Chronicle awards ceremony in London on March 17th.

In news that might interest those seeking work in the public sector, the authority was the only one from the Yorkshire and Humber region to make the shortlist.

Robert Light, leader of Kirklees council, acknowledged the council’s work with network partners in securing the prize.

He said: "It is a credit to our workforce, partners and other organisations who work with us to provide services to local people, that we have gained this award."

Fenland district council, Bolton, Barnet, South Ribble and Derbyshire county council were the five other local authorities nominated for the prize.

In 2006, it was revealed that Moorlands Grange in Netherton and Castle Grange in Newsome, both of which are in the metropolitan borough of Kirklees, were awarded gold medals in the biannual Healthy Choice awards.

More about network partners.