HARROW Council could be awarded beacon status for the second time after being shortlisted for its promotion of racial equality.

In the coming weeks, the council will be visited by a team of officials and given the chance to make presentations to further its chances of attaining the status to an advisory panel.

Members' recommendations will then be made to ministers for the final decision.

Deputy leader of the council, Cllr Keith Toms, who is also portfolio holder for human resources, commented: "I feel pleased and proud that the hard work of all those involved in this process has been recognised.

"This will add to the feeling that Harrow is a great place to live and work and that more than anything else its strength lies in diversity."

In 1999, Harrow was awarded for benefits administration which it held until March this year.

The Beacon Council Scheme was established by the government to select a number of councils to act as centres of excellence and help spread best practice to all local authorities throughout the country.