South Oxhey Library has been held up by Hertfordshire County Council as an example of one of the authority’s best-run organisations.

Council leaders showed judges from the Local Government Chronicle magazine’s Council of the Year competition around the Bridlington Road facility last week.

Hertfordshire County Council is one of six local authorities shortlisted for the award and gave the judging team a three-hour tour of the library as part of its bid for the accolade.

Robert Gordon, the leader of the council, said: “South Oxhey's library is at the heart of its community, and I wanted the judges to experience its key role for themselves.

“On the day of their visit, a baby massage group, homework club and a volunteering network were all meeting and making use of this great building, helped by its helpful and welcoming staff.

“So much good work is happening in South Oxhey and the visit to the library really helped to bring our commitment to life for the judges."

The winner of the Council of the Year competition will be decided on March 14.