FARNHAM Town Council leader Carole Cockburn is joint runner-up in the national 2016 Councillor of the Year awards.

Mrs Cockburn beat off stiff competition from across the country to be named one of the three finalists in the National Association of Local Councils’ awards. The former mayor of Farnham and Waverley and ward member for The Bourne was nominated for her ‘can-do’ approach and contributions to key projects for the town, such as the Farnham Design Statement and the Farnham Neighbourhood Plan.

Farnham Mayor John Ward said: “We are delighted that councillor Cockburn made it through to the finals of Star Councils. She is the epitome of a dynamic, hardworking councillor, valued by colleagues and constituents alike and known for getting things done.

“In all that she does, she is determined to raise standards and achieve excellence. Her can-do approach is both practical and strategic – you are as likely to see her painting railings or planting flower beds as you are to see her in the council chamber. Without doubt, Carole goes beyond what people expect of their local councillor and being a Star Councils finalist goes some way towards recognising this.”

• Members of Waverley’s Council applauded Mrs Cockburn at last week’s meeting, when she promised fellow committee members drinks all round when the new sports pavilion at Bourne recreation ground was completed.urging that the project should move forward as quickly as possible she said: “You must all have a drink at my expense - put it in your diaries.”