FARNHAM Town Council has been crowned Council of the Year at the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) prestigious Star Council Awards 2021.

Four other councils were shortlisted for the title with the final winner being decided by a people’s vote.

Farnham heard the exciting news at an online awards ceremony watched by councillors, staff and volunteers on a big screen in the Council Chamber in South Street on October 8.

The judges cited Farnham’s "track record of creativity, innovation, partnership and collaboration" and how its "achievements in 2020 show significant success despite uncertainties and challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic".

The mayor of Farnham, Councillor Alan Earwaker, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Farnham has now won this amazing accolade. I want to thank everyone that voted for Farnham – we really appreciate your support.

“This is an award which is very much underpinned by our wonderful volunteers, our councillors and our partner organisations… without them we could not have supported our community as effectively, or achieved as much.”

Iain Lynch, town clerk at Farnham Town Council also came in for recognition as a runner-up in the Clerk of the Year category.

NALC’s Star Council Awards are the only awards in England to recognise and celebrate the contribution the 10,000 parish and town councils make to their communities.