THURROCK Council missed out on picking up an award at the The Municipal Journal (MJ) Local Government Achievement Awards 2020 but still has a number of honours to its name this year.

For the second year running the council was shortlisted one of just six finalists for Local Authority of the Year, prompting leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill to say: "We are an innovative and forward-looking local authority who puts our residents first.

"Being named as a finalist two years in a row shows that we are truly leaders in our field. I am extremely proud of all those who work hard at, or with, the council to achieve this nomination. It is a testament to their dedication and commitment."

However, success in the final proved elusive again as Aberdeen City Council picked up the top award, with Salford City Council being highly commended.

The award winners were announced at a virtual ceremony, which can be watched here.

The 2021 awards will be launched next month and will focus on councils' response to COVID-19 including a new category targeted at 'COVID heroes.'

While Thurrock didn't win in the MJ awards, its teams have been recognised with a number of nominations and honours in the past year including the finance department being shortlisted for the Solutions Partner Award at the Public Finance Awards 2020, with the winner due to be named later this month.