A HOST of local dignitaries were on hand to offer their congratulations to Pershore Town Council as it celebrated achieving Quality status.

Pershore Mayor Val Wood, a number of town councillors and town clerk Ann Dobbins were joined by well-wishers in a packed town hall as they were awarded a certificate to mark the hard-earned achievement.

Among the guests were chairman of Worcestershire County Council John Smith and wife Frances, chairman of Wychavon District Council Don Lawley and wife Maureen, Evesham mayor Alan Booth and the mayors of Worcester, Kidderminster and Tewkesbury also attended.

Mrs Dobbins said: "It was a very successful day and it was nice to see that so many people were able to make time to come and join us.

"One of the comments made by the person presenting the certificate was that it was great to see the representatives of so many different councils there, which showed the good links and relationships that we have.

"We now have to keep up the high standards that we have achieved so far and will look for reaccreditation after four years."

In order to achieve quality status, the town council has a number of criteria to meet. To begin with, all the accounts have to be in order and all procedures have to be followed during meetings.