The Fife town scooped the title at the Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum (SURF) awards ceremony in Glasgow on Tuesday.

It is a remarkable transformation in fortune for the former mining town which has been shortlisted in the past for the unenviable Plook on the Plinth award for most dismal town and in 2004 was dubbed “Britain’s worst place to live”.

The judges said: “Named ‘Britain’s worst place to live’ in 2004, the former mining town has been transformed by a series of ambitious and collaborative initiatives in recent years, enhancing its physical appearance, pride of place, and reputation.”

Accepting the award on behalf of Lochgelly was Hazel Cross from Fife Council, who has helped facilitate the changes throughout Lochgelly, Helen Ross from Lochgelly Community Development Forum and Brian Schultz from Lochgelly Community Council.

Mr Schultz said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Lochgelly, and the hard work of all of the organisations and volunteers in Lochgelly, is finally getting the recognition it deserves as Lochgelly is a fantastic town that is always improving.”

Hazel Cross said: “I am absolutely delighted for Lochgelly to be named Scotland’s Most Improved Town 2016. Lochgelly has been on a journey of people and place and the collaborative working over a number of years has helped change the face of Lochgelly by improving the towns assets, creating new housing, leisure and business opportunities.

“The Lochgelly community is strong and determined and have delivered a range of community led projects throughout the town over the years and I know Lochgelly will continue to be successful.”

Councillor Mark Hood, chair of the Cowdenbeath Area Committee, added: “For Lochgelly to win this prestigious award just proves that the hard work and determination of everyone involved in improving Lochgelly is paying off.

“The community and all of the key agencies and partners have shown sustained commitment and resilience in taking plans for Lochgelly forward and it fully deserves the title of Scotland’s Most Improved Town 2016.”