Leicester City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are celebrating after achieving the prestigious Beacon Status Award for culture and sport for hard to reach groups

The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, and Local Government Minister, Phil Woolas, were present to congratulate winning authorities on their achievements at the seventh annual Beacon Scheme awards ceremony.

The Beacon Scheme identifies excellence and innovation in local government. It is much more than just a badge, however. The scheme exists to share good practice so that best value authorities can learn from each other and deliver high quality services to all.

Nottinghamshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Coun Chris Baron, with children from Holly Hill Primary School, Selston, Notts.

Leicester City Council were awarded for demonstrating how excluded and disadvantaged neighbourhoods can become involved in transforming their locality. A broad range of cultural activities and events are used to bring social cohesion and support to the wide range of diverse communities.

Nottinghamshire County Council were awarded for demonstrating a wide range of sports services and works with the district authorities to support and compliment their work. They have a particular focus on disabled athletes moving into coaching, further education and employment.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Councillor Chris Baron said:

‘We’re absolutely delighted to have been successful in achieving such a prolific national award.  This highlights the commitment we and our partners have made to sport in the county over many years and is recognition for the ground-breaking, innovative, inclusive and often unique services we offer in Nottinghamshire.

We have a sound reputation for nurturing the many talented young sports people in the County and with the Olympics and Para Olympics coming to London in 2012 we need to continue to do this and to reinforce our status as ‘The Sporting County’.’