A council project has been shortlisted for a national award in recognition of its approach to strengthening and enhancing communities.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council's Neighbourhoods that Work Project (NTW), which was launched in 2015, is one of six national finalists in the excellence in community engagement category of the Municipal Journal's Local Government Achievement Awards.

The project, which was initially funded to run for five years with support of the Big Lottery Fund, expands upon a successful integrated way of working with communities and is delivered with the help of seven voluntary delivery sector partners.

It works with communities to help them develop ideas for improving lives through initiatives such as helping people into training, volunteering and working.

Penny Carpenter, chairman of the housing and neighbourhoods committee, said: 'I am delighted that the team who work so incredibly hard to deliver this programme have been put forward for this award.

'Over a number of years I have worked with many members of this team. The can do attitude and dedication in delivering not only this project but other unique pieces of community engagement is a credit to themselves, the borough council and to the community.

'This is important national recognition for an approach to community engagement that we have developed in Great Yarmouth.'

Sheila Oxtoby, chief executive, said: 'I would like to thank colleagues for their continued hard work and to say how pleased I am that this is being recognised.

'Great Yarmouth is a nationally pioneering council in many ways and I am so proud that an approach developed here has gained this important national recognition, reflecting the continued efforts of officers and partners, and the continued support of members.'

Heather Jameson, editor of The MJ, said: 'The MJ Awards always receive a large number of entries so Great Yarmouth Borough Council has done really well to get into the shortlist. It's a great tribute to the council's team.'

The borough council will find out in two months whether it has won the overall category at an awards ceremony in London on Thursday, June 15.