EFFORTS to tackle homelessness have earned Bolton Council national recognition.

Bolton Council is one of 23 authorities in the north of England to have made it to the next stage of the Beacon Council Scheme -- the Government's initiative for identifying and spreading best practice in local government.

They are among 187 authorities from all over the country competing for the prestigious award of Beacon Council status.

The authorities showed evidence of excellence and a commitment to spreading best practice in a range of services under 10 themes. These included raising standards in education (Transforming Secondary Education); co-ordinating road works to minimise disruption to pedestrians and motorists (Street and Highway Works); encouraging online access to local services (Inclusion through Information Communications Technology); and supporting homeless people (Tackling Homelessness).

Bob Clarke, chairman of the Advisory Panel on Beacon Councils, announced the shortlist of 87 from a total of 187 applications.

He said: "We have been very impressed by the quantity and quality of applications submitted."

Local Government Minister, Nick Raynsford, said: "I am delighted that so many authorities with excellent examples of best practice have been short-listed. I am particularly pleased to see that some 40 per cent of authorities on the shortlist have reached this stage for the first time."