PR consultancy firm Litmus has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.

Litmus, based in Cleckheaton, is one of six finalists vying for the title Outstanding Small Consultancy in the CIPR Excellence Awards, to be announced at an awards dinner and summer ball in London on July 3.

Preliminary judging of the award, which recognises excellent work by a small consultancy of no more than five people working together, has now taken place which means Litmus has already overcome the most difficult hurdle and will receive an award.

Litmus director Lucy Carey said: "Despite entering many of our clients for awards - with considerable success - we have never actually entered in our own right, so we are delighted to have made it on to the national shortlist at our first attempt.

"We pride ourselves on our down-to-earth approach to PR, having built a solid reputation, client base and turnover over the last ten years on skill, commitment and candour."

In the last three years, the company has increased turnover by 30 per cent and almost trebled the number of clients signing up for long-term retainer contracts covering the full range of PR services.