Two councillors in Brent have beaten 300 competitors to be nominated for national awards recognising their contributions.
Cllr Neil Nerva and Cllr Saqlain Choudry are among 49 councillors across the UK who have been shortlisted for the 2023 LGIU and CCLA Cllr Awards.
Now in its 14th year, the awards showcase the vital contributions of councillors.
Queen's Park representative Cllr Nerva was nominated for a Lifetime Legend award while Willesden Green's Cllr Choudry will compete for Young Councillor of the Year.
Cllr Nerva said he was "really thrilled and proud" to be shortlisted.
He added: "I genuinely had no idea about this. Two members of Brent Labour group being nominated is quite serious, it's quite something."
The Cllr Awards judging panels are made up of senior councillors and leading stakeholders from across the sector.
Cllr Choudry said he was "humbled" to be shortlisted and was "not entirely sure" who nominated him. "I guess some of them would be in Willesden and I'm grateful they took the time to fill in the form," he added.
The 24-year-old, who was born and bred in Willesden, was elected in May 2022 and has been "learning on the job". "It feels like yesterday, it's gone by pretty quickly and been eye opening," he said.
"New challenges, new things. The best thing about Willesden is it's so diverse, we have growing Italian communities, East European, Afghan, Indian, Pakistani presence.
"It's really nice to see different communities settling here but it comes with its challenges as there's no one size fits all approach."
He said housing was the number one concern and the cost of living "hasn't gone away".
"You hope it will get easier and better but unfortunately it doesn't look that way."
Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of LGIU, said: "In the face of unprecedented domestic and global challenges over the last year, councillors nationwide have once again exhibited unwavering dedication to serving their constituents.
"Congratulations to all the councillors nominated and shortlisted and I look forward to announcing the winners in November.”
The winners in England and Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London at 7pm on November 16.
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