A COUNTY Durham organisation has become the latest business in the North-East to receive formal commendation for its equality and diversity practices.

Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP), from Newton Aycliffe, has received the Equality Standard, which was created last year to acknowledge companies which lead the field in their approach to promoting equality.

PCP, a registered charity which aims to improve the health and quality of life of local disadvantaged people, was awarded the Standard by Equality North-East after a programme of assessment.

The Standard, which has already been achieved by organisations including the North-East Chamber of Commerce, North-East Council on Addictions and Darlington College, is available to any group from any sector in the region.