TOWN hall bosses have reached the final of the UK's blue riband of local government management training.

The eight-strong team of senior officers saw off regional rivals in this year's Local Government Management Game.

Not only did the Bury team take the top spot, but they were also highly commended for one of the most outstanding marks in the competition.

Bury's team comprised Graham Atkinson, Mike Cannon, Adrian Frost, David Fowler, Susan Jordan, Jackie Mason, Mike Owen and Carolyn Wilkins. The national final will be held on April 27 at Stockport Town Hall.

The team was observed and advised by Mr Dennis Taylor, the council's chief executive.

"This is the first time that Bury has made it into the national finals of the competition and we are delighted for our team," he said.

"They had to work tremendously hard and it is gratifying to see that all that effort has reaped its reward."

Mr Taylor said the team had to prepare pre-competition submissions over eight weeks before the heat.

"On the day of the final, each team assumed the role of a mythical local authority management team, with portfolios set in advance," he said.

"The competition lasted for seven hours, during which members were required to prepare political briefings, press releases, committee reports, and undertake face-to-face interviews with the council leader, members of all political parties, plus the media and external partners.

"It was a gruelling competition and our team more than earned their place in the final."