IT'S official - villagers in Copmanthorpe have a "quality" council.

Copmanthorpe Parish Council has been handed official Quality Status - the first village council in the York area to have won the accolade.

The scheme, launched by the Government in 2003, encourages councils to apply for the status as part of a series of measures to encourage more local involvement in the community.

To measure up, councils must meet set criteria to prove they are running openly and effectively. Council clerks must also take a special qualification.

Parish council chairman Mike Irwin said: "I'm delighted. We have tried very hard to be an open parish council, rather than secretive."

Ian Strong, chief officer the Yorkshire Local Council Association - an advisory body for councils - said: "It shows that they're up to a high standard of achievement in terms of delivering a service."

To be given the status, a council must meet specific tests, including:

Having a properly qualified clerk

Holding at least six meetings a year, with time allowed for public participation

Publishing a regular newsletter, with contact details for councillors and the clerk.

Updated: 10:11 Wednesday, January 04, 2006