Congratulations to all the winners and finalists in the APSE service awards 2007

For those of you who attended our annual dinner and service awards in Gateshead on Wednesday 19 September I am sure you will agree the finalist and winners demonstrated the very best in local government and represented what APSE is all about: Local authorities delivering excellent services to the public and sharing their experiences with their colleagues.

We are also delighted to announce Gateshead as the Overall Council of the Year for Service Delivery. It is a fitting tribute to a council that has shown excellence over a range of its front line service with a committed team of staff and elected members delivering real benefits to the people of Gateshead.

Council Leader Mick Henry celebrates success with Sky News presenter Adrienne Lawler and his team from Gateshead.

Local government Minister Parmjit Dhanda also addressed our annual conference and you can view his speech to APSE on the Communities and Local Government website by clicking here.

To view our full list of award winners and finalists please click here where you can also view and download photographs of the winners.

Finally I am delighted to welcome Councillor Leon Unczur or Nottingham City Council as our new national chair. Councillor Unzcur will be supported by John Robinson of Nottingham. Cllr Unczur succeeds Councillor John Kerr Brown of Warrington Borough Council.