Two Braintree councillors have been shortlisted for national awards.

Cllr Stephen Canning (Con, Bocking Blackwater) has been put forward in the digital innovator of the year category of the Councillor Achievement Awards.

He was shortlisted for developing and supporting the concept of Braintree Hour on Twitter, which was launched in May and encourages the promotion of businesses.

Braintree Hour takes place every Wednesday between 4pm and 5pm and now reaches more than 100,000 people a week.

Cllr Wendy Schmitt (Con, Bocking Blackwater) has been shortlisted in the sustainability champion of the year category for her work in developing the Green Heart of Essex campaign and driving a 55 per cent reduction in litter across the district.

The pair are two of just four councillors in Essex to be nominated.

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on February 25.