THREE county councillors are in the running for awards by a local government think-tank.

Peter Martin, leader of Essex County Council, has been nominated for a Judges’ Special Award for his long-standing commitment to the authority.

The gong is part of the C’llr Achievement Awards 2013 from the Local Government Information Unit think-tank.

Also up for awards are Stephen Castle, councillor responsible for education, lifelong learning and the 2012 Games who has been nominated for Partnership Achievement of the Year, while Thundersley councillor Bill Dick could win a Scrutineer of the Year award.

Judges will now whittle down the shortlist to pick the winners, who will be announced at a ceremony on February 25.