THE search is on for the best local council officers in the county as part of the annual Local Government Challenge.

The competition is in its tenth year and is held to find the areas best local officers by putting them through a series of real-life challenges, at ‘secret locations’.

It was launched this year by Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council.

Yvonne Rees, chief executive of Cherwell District Council and Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is a really exciting event to host as it will showcase potential future stars of the Local Government family.

“The challenges will test their ability to come up with innovative solutions to the real issues faced by many local councils and their partners. They will need to put the resident at the heart of the scenario and work in partnership if they are to find solutions.

“From experience, this event will bring fresh impetus and I hope new approaches. I also expect it will help to launch the ten candidates on their local government journey.”

Ten contestants will tackle five challenges in councils across the country, spanning a range of front-line, financial, creative and leadership operations.

The winner gets a scholarship worth up to £10,000 to spend on their own project in their area. Details local.gov.uk/lg-challenge