A Cross Hills company which has designed technology to help local councils manage their services better has been awarded a £50,000 financial package.

Gaist Ltd, based in Station Road, had to pass rigorous application hurdles to be awarded the cash boost by Science City York, which promotes innovation in the North Yorkshire economy.

Blackpool Council is currently using the Gaist systems to manage its tramways, highway assets and traffic orders.

Gaist managing director Steve Birdsall said: “This is an exciting time for us – we have developed a software system that can be used by almost any council department without the need to install software. It uses the latest in online software and mapping technologies which gives councils a much better understanding of the demand for their services.

“Our simple-to-use systems allow councils to manage any task, from graffiti removal to co-ordinating management of major emergencies.”

Mr Birdsall added that he was hopeful that as the business expanded, he would be able to take on more staff throughout this year.