PRIME Minister Tony Blair congratulated Pendle Labour leaders as they were named the Best of the Best in local government.

More than 2,000 delegates at the party's national councils' conference in Blackpool, saw the Prime Minister present the two top awards to the local Labour group after it beat off the challenge of major city contenders in the annual Best Practice competitions.

Pendle scooped the prize for the best campaigning group in the land for its successful drive to win £200,000 Home Office backing to set up CCTV security camera cover Nelson.

And the group went on to take the Best of the Best award as all the section winners were pooled to find the top performance of the year in a contest judged by government ministers, Hilary Armstrong and Ian McArtney.

The awards were presented to Pendle abour group leader Azhar Ali and his deputy Colin Waite, by the Prime Minister, who told them: "You have put Pendle on the map."

Mr Blair also promised a visit to the borough - followed by a trip to watch Burnley at Turf Moor.

The Labour group's prizes include certificates of merit, a £2,000 computer system and £250 to spend on a local charity.

Said Coun Ali: "We are over the moon, ecstatic. It was a wonderful day and the CCTV campaign success was recognition of what can be acheived in local government when a group works together with the Government and not against it.

"I am sure this really does put us on the national map. All the other short-listed groups were from major metropolitan districts like Edinburgh and Manchester - but we came through."

He added: "I am sure the end result will be more national resources flowing into Pendle."

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