North Ayrshire Council has been named the UK's Council of the Year at a special awards ceremony.

NAC came out on top at last night's APSE Awards beating competition from eight other local authorities to be crowned cream of the crop.

The awards are designed to recognise excellence in local government frontline services across the UK and are open to all local authorities and their public sector partners.

As well as winning the top award, North Ayrshire Council were nominated in 11 other categories, also winning Best Efficiency and Transformation Initiative.

According to APSE, the winners of the awards demonstrated that they are actively implementing innovative ideas, supporting continuous improvement, and developing new strategies to deliver local services whilst also highlighting their commitment to innovation and adaptation in local services.

APSE Chief Executive Paul O’Brien said, "Despite local government currently facing many challenges, these winning councils have demonstrated their ability to offer their communities excellent local services through implementing exciting, innovative projects and new ways of working. They are a credit to their communities, and should be proud of their excellent achievements."