TOP town hall staff have trounced all-comers to become the best in Britain.

The six-strong squad beat the odds to bring home the silverware to Bury after winning the Local Government Challenge Trophy.

Some 30 finalists from across the UK took part in the contest, which was held at the Villa Park banqueting suite in Birmingham.

The Bury contingent endured seven hours of role play, interviews and presentations under the scrutiny of 24 judges.

The team comprised Susan Jordan, Jackie Mason, Mike Cannon, David Fowler, Adrian Frost and Mike Owen. They were supported by outgoing chief executive Dennis Taylor in his last council duty prior to retirement. They had previously finished runner-up in the Local Government Management Game.

It was a triumph over adversity for the Bury squad. Team members Carolyn Wilkins and Graham Atkinson withdrew because of council business, while other players were involved in a motorway accident on the way there. A serious family illness forced another member to make an all-night drive. Mr Taylor, who was team manager, said it was an honour to observe the squad in action.

"It was crystal clear to onlookers and opponents that they were witnessing an awesome all-round effort," he said.

"I told the team that on four previous visits to Villa Park I had never seen my soccer side Sunderland lose, and I had no intention of breaking with tradition.

"What a terrific way to bow out of local government. The performance of each one of the Bury team will be something I will treasure for many years to come."

Bury scored 1,520 points, ahead of Warrington with 1,502 and Canterbury with 1,483.

Mr Mark Sanders, Bury's new chief executive, said: "I knew I was joining a strong team when I came to Bury, and this success underlines that fact."