THE work carried out by North Ayrshire Council was recognised with a triple success last week.

At the 2017 COSLA Excellence Awards last Thursday, the authority picked up two prizes – the Strong and Sustainable Communities award and Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health award.

And the successful evening was rounded off when the Council’s Corporate Communications team picked up a Silver Award at the CIPR 2017 awards for its campaign to retain the Arran ferry crossing between Ardrossan and Brodick.

These are the latest accolades awarded to North Ayrshire Council which just last month was named UK Council of the Year.

Chief Executive Elma Murray said: “Once again, our staff have shown how we go above and beyond to deliver services that make a real difference to the lives of our residents.”

North Ayrshire Council Leader Joe Cullinane said: “These awards show that despite the challenging financial outlook for local authorities, we still strive to deliver high-quality services to the people of North Ayrshire.”

At the 2017 COSLA Excellence Awards, held as part of its annual conference in Crieff, the Council’s Youth Services team picked up the Strong and Sustainable Communities award.

The second success came in the Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health category for the Café Solace project, which volunteers a chance to gain skills and confidence, as well as becoming a community resource. It now operates in Ardrossan, Irvine and Kilbirnie.

The Council’s Corporate Communications team picked up a silver award for its successful campaign to retain the ArdrossanBrodick ferry route against competition from the port in Troon.