THE Beccles town council team have improved their qualifications in impressive style to boost their know-how in running a busy Town Hall.Town Clerk Berenice Broom and Deputy town Clerk Jula Janney were both asked by the town council to take the Certificate in Local Council Administration examination - a qualification which allows the council to move towards Quality Parish Status, which it is aiming to do.

THE Beccles town council team have improved their qualifications in impressive style to boost their know-how in running a busy Town Hall.

Town Clerk Berenice Broom and Deputy town Clerk Jula Janney were both asked by the town council to take the Certificate in Local Council Administration examination - a qualification which allows the council to move towards Quality Parish Status, which it is aiming to do. And they achieved the goal in double quick time.

“We registered for the course, which allows two years to complete the modules, and were a little disconcerted to read in our local Clerks magazine that the pass rate was less than 50pc first time around, although re-sits were allowed,” Mrs Broom said.

“There are 26 modules to be undertaken and each module has to be passed with 100pc mark - there is no room for error.”

They both went to Ipswich for the 2.5 days training in November, and were encouraged to complete the modules as quickly as possible - quite a tough challenge in their own time.

There is a time limit of two years on the module - but they submitted their portfolios on December 3, jut a month after starting.

“We were delighted that we passed with flying colours at the first attempt and so was the town council,” Mrs Broom said. “It is not easy for one Clerk to pass but for two at the same time, it must be unusual.”

She encouraged any other town or parish clerks thinking about attempting the exam to go for it.

“It is hard work but well worth the stress,” she said.