TWO prestigious national awards have been won by the Forest of Dean District Council. The Municipal Journal Awards are presented to local councils throughout the UK in recognition for excellence in their various fields.

The Environmental Protection Team won the Public Protection category, for its pioneering partnership work with the police to combat metal theft.

Cllr Martin Quaile, cabinet member for the Environment said: "It's won­derful to see the hard work and creativity of this council being acclaimed for leading the way nationally. The team's work has made a significant contribution to the Government's proposals to tighter up scrap metal regulation. This is making the marker more difficult for thieves while ensuring that law abiding people can continue to re-cycle metal with confidence."

The council's Legal Services Team came second in their respective category, which rewards council legal departments whose value for money service helps make a difference for the community.

Council Leader Cllr Patrick Molyneux said: "It's great to see the dedication and hard work of these teams recognised nationally by these highly respected awards. As a small district council to compete so successfully against some very large councils is an excellent achievement and demonstrates the high standard of work we are delivering."