'Outstanding leader' named councillor of the year

An "outstanding leader" has been named Councillor of the Year for his dedication and transformative impact on his village.

Councillor Jonathan Dryland, of North Cerney Parish Council in Gloucestershire, was awarded the title by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC).

Dryland said: "It's not just about me, I was the one picking up the award and the certificate, but I really believe I was also picking it up for our community."

Iain Hamilton, NALC chair, said Dryland "exemplifies the very best of local councillor leadership".

Judges praised Dryland's "outstanding leadership, dedication, and transformative impact" on the village of Woodmancote near Cirencester.

Dryland, who has been a councillor for two years, is described by the association as a "driving force" in the village of just 250 residents.

The NALC said the councillor along with a small working group managed to raise £70,000 to refurbish the village's only community facility, a neglected 50-year-old playpark.

He has also been credited for revitalising the village's "civic life" and strengthening "community pride" by inspiring regular litter picks, the installation of planters and a "calendar of village events".

Judges said his "dedication, vision, and engagement" showed how "meaningful change" could be achieved.

Dryland said he was "really, really surprised" and "really honoured" to win the award.

"There's lots of volunteers and councillors right across the UK doing really great work to help improve the communities they are representing," he said.

"So to be chosen and recognised against all of those people - I feel very honoured and very proud."

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