A GREENOCK councillor is in the running to be crowned the best town hall newcomer in the country.

Elizabeth Robertson, who was elected in May last year, has been shortlisted in the inaugural LGiU Scotland Awards.

The ward four representative is up for the 'new councillor of the year' prize at the event, organised by the Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) think-tank.

Mrs Robertson, who lives in the west end, quit her job in the council's education department to become an elected member and is the Inverclyde SNP group's depute leader, the party's education spokesperson and is on a number of committees and outside bodies.

She said: "The decision to stand for Inverclyde Council was huge for me, and the reality of being a councillor is no less immense. "The past 16 months have been incredible and I feel I've had daily confirmation that I made the right decision to stand.

"The real rewards of the job are the day-to-day triumphs and achievements with individuals and communities, and having a role in shaping the policy context and culture of Inverclyde. "Being nominated for an award on top of all that is very special for me."

Since her election, Councillor Robertson has backed the ongoing regeneration of Greenock Town Centre, spoke out about child poverty and raised safety concerns over the long-standing problem of speeding along the Esplanade.

She is in the final four of the award category along with councillors from Glasgow City, South Lanarkshire and Aberdeen City councils.

Councillor Robertson said: "I'm aware that I'm the current holder of a position that goes back into the past way before me, and which will exist long after I'm gone. "While I'm here, it's pleasing to know that I'm seen as a good steward of the role of being an Inverclyde councillor."

A panel of judges will choose the winner and the prizes will be presented at a ceremony in Edinburgh's City Chambers on November 29.