The awards, which recognise outstanding work by housing organisations to improve the lives of people in their communities, are organised by the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) and Inside Housing magazine.

This year’s awards attracted more than 250 entries from all over the UK. West Lothian Council’s 1,000 new build housing programme has been named as a finalist in two categories.

West Lothian Council is now one of six left in the running for the Outstanding Development Programme of the Year category and one of six in Outstanding Local Authority of the Year category.

The winners will be revealed on 26 April.

Executive councillor for services for the community, George Paul, said: “West Lothian Council continues to deliver high quality services for our communities and this nomination is testament to our team’s hard work, innovation and commitment.

“By building 1,000 new council homes across the nine council ward areas will help satisfy the demand for affordable housing in West Lothian and enhance communities for generations to come.

“West Lothian is one of Scotland’s top performing local authorities when it comes to both the quality of our existing housing stock and the high number of new council homes being built.

“Our work to build 1,000 new homes is also providing job opportunities for local people and training for apprentices.

“West Lothian Council is proud of its record in delivering new homes for our communities and are delighted to have been recognised as a finalist for the UK Housing Awards 2016. I’d like to congratulate all the council staff involved and wish them the best of luck for the next stage of judging.”

CIH chief executive, Terrie Alafat, said: “The UK Housing Awards recognise the great work being done by housing professionals and organisations across the industry, but they also push us all to do better as a sector. We hope the achievements of our finalists will inspire others as they aim to provide the best possible services for residents and communities.

“Congratulations to all of the organisations that have been shortlisted, and best of luck for the 20th anniversary ceremony - win or lose your work will help inspire us all to improve.”

Emma Maier, editor of Inside Housing, added: “The quality of the entries rose again this year so even to get this far is an amazing achievement. In the face of some really stiff competition, West Lothian Council has shown it is performing at the highest level - well done!”