Work by Nottinghamshire County Council to tackle homophobic bullying and the way children are taught to celebrate difference is improving faster here than anywhere else in the country.

The latest Stonewall Education Equality Index ranks Nottinghamshire County Council as 13th out of 45 local authorities for its work with schools, community groups and other organisations. In 2013, it was ranked 33rd out of 42.

The County Council received a special award, most improved Local Authority, in recognition of the rapid progress it has made in the last 12 months.

Speaking on the eve of the annual Nottingham Pride event – where the County Council will showcase a number of its services – Councillor Alan Rhodes, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council said: “I am delighted that Stonewall has recognised the substantial progress the County Council is making on equalities and how we are embedding fairness and the celebration of difference throughout our services.

“Our strengths have undoubtedly been the partnerships we have established and our work with young people’s groups, such as WOW (Worksop Out on Wednesdays).

“We’ve also worked very closely with Head Teachers and Governors on developing the curriculum to include work on challenging homophobic and transphobic bullying.

“We know there is still a long way to go – and we remain determined to break into the top 10 local authorities – but huge credit should go to our Equalities team and employees throughout our service areas for the magnificent progress we’ve made in the last 12 months.”

The Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Pauline Allan will join the Nottingham Pride March, leaving Castle Gate at 11.30am tomorrow (Saturday) and finishing at Broad Street.

The County Council will be promoting a number of services at the event, including libraries, adoption and fostering and registration.

One in nine (around 12%) of children placed for adoption by Nottinghamshire County Council last year was with a same-sex couple, putting the county well ahead of the national average (one in 15) for 2013/14.

The Council’s Registration Service has carried out 20 same-sex marriages in the county since new legislation came into effect on 29 January, with a further 32 ceremonies booked in. Same-sex couples already in a civil partnership will be able to convert to a marriage at a Nottinghamshire County Council Register office from 10 December this year.

Further information about Nottingham Pride is available at www.nottinghamshirepride.co.uk/