FINANCIAL wizards at Wychavon District Council have scooped a top local government award.

The council's summary Statement of Accounts booklet, delivered to residents across the region, has won the Local Government Chronicle Finance Award.

The publication was entered into the Quality of Financial Information to Residents category and pipped Nottinghamshire County Council to the post to snatch the title.

Judges remarks on the booklet included "an innovative presentation", and "it was ideal for the purpose of which it was prepared".

The statement of accounts summary shows how the council spends its cash to improve services to residents.

The summary has a piggy-bank theme to highlight the council's services and the pig can be found visiting all sorts of places from leisure centres to recycling bins.

"Financial information is a very complex subject to get across but it's important our customers know how we spend their council tax," said Councillor Clive Holt, executive board member for finance.

"I am delighted that once again our innovative way of presenting this information for our residents has been recognised."