Aldenham Parish council is the first council in Hertsmere to be awarded with 'quality status', it was announced this week.

The authority is one of only 542 parish and town councils in the country to have achieved this accolade.

Peter Evans, clerk to the council, said: "Now we have been awarded this, other councils in the county can follow and hopefully act as a collective force. As well as the immediate positive effect it has had on the council itself, plans for the long-run include honing in on improving roads and footways and providing the best service for parishioners.

"Now that an outside body has recognised us, we'll be able to receive more benefits, in the future taking on some of the services and partnerships of Hertsmere Borough Council."

In order to reach Quality Status councils are assessed on criteria including management of finance, meetings and ensuring members are fairly elected.

Overall the council must demonstrate it has high standards in communicating with residents, and is representative of the whole community, while ensuring everything is properly and responsibly managed.

Aldenham Parish Council will be awarded its official certificate before a council meeting on April 29 at The Radlett Centre.