INVERCLYDE Council has missed out on being crowned the UK's best council. 

The local authority had been named as one of six finalists in the council of the year category at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) awards, which were held last night in London. 

The organisation was beaten by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council in the headline award category, with judges describing the English local authority as a 'clear winner'.

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Judge made in-person visits to all six councils in the weeks leading up to the ceremony before they underwent rigorous live judging for the event.

Inverclyde Council's entry highlighted a range of interventions and investments put in place to support the community, the work of councillors and staff.

Among projects highlighted in the submission were its response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and support for residents to cope with the cost of living crisis, including a one-off £350 payment last year to some 10,000 low income households plus financial and practical support being offered through its pioneering 'Warm Hand of Friendship' initiative.

The event recognised excellence in local government throughout the UK and Inverclyde Council was the only Scottish local authority in the running for the top honour. 

The winners of the 22 categories were announced at a black-tie ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor House, hosted by former rugby international Ugo Monye.