Two Thurrock councillors have been shortlisted for the 2017 Councillor Achievement Awards.

James Halden, councillor for health and education, is up for the finance and transformation award while Sue Little, councillor for children and adult social care, is nominated for the health and care category.

The eighth annual awards are the only national ceremony to celebrate the important work of councillors from across England and Wales that often goes unrecognised.

With over 200 nominations, a record amount for the awards, competition was extremely tight again this year.

Some of the seven categories up for grabs include Leader of the Year, Young Councillor of the Year, and Finance and Transformation.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place on November 7.

The winners will be selected by a group of judges made up of local government experts and councillors.

Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of the Local Government Information Unit, said: “Councils play a crucial role keeping our communities connected and safe.

“Despite ever-tightening budgets, they ensure that essential services are delivered on the ground, day after day. But this exemplary work of local government often goes unrecognised.

“It is for this reason that we are proud to unveil the shortlist. The exceptional nominations we received this year remind us of the instrumental role that councillors play in our daily lives.”