West Dorset District Council chairman Mary Penfold has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

Coun Penfold is down to the final of the Mayor of the Year Award 2005 run by The Co-operative Bank.

She was nominated for the award by council colleagues, charities and residents following an outstanding term in office.

The award is open to council mayors and chairmen nationwide.

Coun Penfold beat chairmen and mayors at almost 50 councils to reach the shortlist.

If successful, she stands to receive a £1,000 donation to her charity fund and an engraved silver salver.

David Dunn, senior manager, public sector and community development at the Co-operative Bank, said: "To be short-listed for this prestigious award reflects the hard work and dedication that Coun Penfold has shown in the role of chairman.

"As leading bankers in the local authority sector we appreciate the contribution made by mayors on a local level and are very pleased to be able to bring national recognition to those who have achieved something special in their term of office.

"Coun Penfold completed 150 civic engagements during the last year and worked tirelessly in raising funds for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

"She was a great ambassador for West Dorset, and has been a very popular chairman, bringing enthusiasm and a fresh approach to the role."

The Co-operative Bank's Mayor of the Year Awards was launched in 2001 and since then, the bank has been overwhelmed by the number of entries received every year.

Coun Penfold said: "It's a pleasant surprise to hear that I have been shortlisted for the award as I wasn't even aware that I had been nominated.

"This honour is not only for me but for everyone who has supported and helped me to do the job, and that includes friends, family and staff. It's an honour, privilege and pleasure to serve the people of West Dorset."

Coun Robert Gould, leader of West Dorset District Council, paid tribute to Coun Penfold.

He said: "Mary's tireless enthusiasm and incredible commitment to the local community have earned her the respect and affection of local people.

"She is an excellent ambassador for both the district council and West Dorset as a whole.

"Mary has the rare gift of building a rapport with the people she meets and this shortlisting is well deserved."

The runners-up and national winner for 2005 will be announced in late September.