ROSSENDALE councillors have been praised for their commitment to improving how they do their job.

Rossendale Council was awarded the North West Charter for Elected Member Development after an independent assessment.

The charter is a public recognition of the council's work in creating a member development strategy and in the commitment it has made to self improvement, learning and development through the training programme.

Coun Janet Graham, cabinet member for member development said: "We have all worked hard to get this charter. This isn't just an opportunity for the council to slap itself on its back - it shows that it is helping elected members like myself to do a better job.

"Ultimately, this means that local people will have a better council, making better decisions, and more able to do the things that the local community wants us to do."