The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities annual 'Local Government Excellence Awards' singled out the council's 'Backing Falkirk's Future' programme based on the council's approach to the training and employment of young people.

The extension of this approach locally aims to get employers on board to help young people, through expanding the number of local training and employment opportunities.

To date, over 100 employers have signed up for the scheme.

Falkirk Council's employment and training unit picked up the Scottish Government-sponsored 'Recognising Excellence Award' for their work within Falkirk Council Services and the roll out of the approach to bring on board as many local employers as possible to take forward the scheme.

Councillor Craig Martin, Falkirk Council's leader, said: "This is a great achievement for the team who continue to develop new ideas that help encourage and strengthen local employment opportunities.

"It is particularly pleasing to see that this piece of work was recognised for helping unemployed young people who have been badly affected by the economic downturn.

"Thankfully, the 'Backing Falkirk's Future' scheme is making inroads into securing a better future for them.

"The awards are a great accolade for any local authority to attain and truly represent the best in public service across Scotland."

COSLA vice president councillor Neil Fletcher said: "The COSLA Excellence Awards showcase and celebrate the very best of Scottish Local Government.

"These awards are the Scottish local government Oscars, and year after year we see projects which continue to live up to this billing."

Councillor Fletcher added: "Every one of our finalists have set new standards for excellence, and demonstrated real innovation and creativity in delivering important services in an increasingly challenging environment.

"Their incredible results speak for themselves, but above all else, I have been struck by the commitment, enthusiasm and utter passion that council workers and our partners have for delivering better outcomes for their communities."

The awards praised nine other local authorities for their 'outstanding quality of service to the public' and over 200 submissions were received across ten categories.

editorial@journalandgaette.co.uk