The team behind the Mayor of Croydon has been recognised as the best in the whole country.

The accolade came from the National Association of Civic Officers (NACO), which represents Mayoral offices around the country.

They were awarded a commemorative plaque and a cheque for £500, which has been donated to the Mayor’s Charity Fund.

They handled a record level of 700 civic engagements in the last 12 months and played a key role in major public events, such as last autumn’s homecoming parade for 2 Rifles and also the reception for former members of the women’s Land Army and Timber Corps.

Croydon Mayor, Councillor Margaret Mead, was delighted the team was classified as the best in the business, winning the national title of civic office of the year award 2009.

She said: “Croydon’s mayoral team is a close-knit, dedicated unit which, throughout the past year, has provided a service of exceptionally high standard.

"They have gone about their work with a quiet authority and the highest professionalism.

"Their dedication has been impressive and they richly deserve the team-of-the-year title."

She said Croydon mayors could always be confident they had "such a talented and enthusiastic team" behind them.

"I am so thrilled they have been recognised as the best in the whole country," she added.

The award was presented at Camden Town Hall by Sue Heaps, executive member of NACO to Croydon’s mayoral services manager and mace bearer, Peter Townsend.