BLACKBURN with Darwen Council has been officially named the best in the country -- after beating off competition from 100 other local authorities.

Today, community leaders praised the people whose hard work had earned the Council of the Year accolade, confirmed at an awards ceremony in London last night.

In January, the council was placed in a short-list of five for the Local Government Association award after being visited by judges.

They were looking for examples of good practice and innovative ways of improving services.

A council-delegation including leader Bill Taylor, deputy Sue Reid, council officers and local MPs Jack Straw and Janet Anderson, collected the award.

No financial reward comes with the accolade, but it is hoped it will help attract high-quality staff to fill vacancies.

Coun Taylor said: "The Council of the Year judges look for good partnership working, quality services and community leadership which involves citizens in decision-making about their borough."

Among the achievements which impressed judges was the £205million public-private partnership with Capita, which is on course to create 400 new jobs within the borough less than a year after it was signed. A public service agreement has also been signed with the Government, which pledges extra cash to the council if they meet tough targets.

The council has also achieved a record year for attracting regeneration, with £180million of funding being committed over the next five years.

They also handed over their council housing stock to a private housing association and introduced a community plan which sets out the authority's vision for the future.

A new 'open door' policy has also been introduced to help the council communicate with local people as well as a new committee structure, which is designed to speed up decision-taking.

Coun Taylor added: "We are absolutely delighted. This is a real achievement not only for the council but for our many partners.

"But we are not complacent, we have achieved a lot in recent years but we know we need to listen to our residents and improve further to make our borough and attractive, safe and prosperous place in which to live."

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "I am delighted. It is an award for the whole town which crosses party lines."

Conservative leader Colin Rigby said: "The positive relationship with our parties, plus a lot of collective hard work from councillors across all political group was the key to our success."

Phil Watson, chief executive of the council, said: "The award is important not as a badge, but because it highlights the council's prominent position in local government."

Rossendale and Darwen MPJanet Anderson said: "It is absolutely brilliant and well deserved."

Rod Aldridge, executive chairman of Capita, said: "It is a significant achievement. This award is recognition of the bold move they have taken in their bid to modernize services to benefit the citizen."

Chief superintendent John Thompson, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "This is an honour well deserved. We have an excellent working relationship with the council."