A BUS depot has been awarded the highest level of accreditation for Investors in People (IIP) status, one of only three per cent of companies to achieve the award.

Arriva North East's Darlington depot has secured IIP gold status, which is described as an achievement of 'world class best practice' and means that the depot is considered to have consistently demonstrated the highest standards of people management.

Nick Knox, area managing director for Arriva North East, said: "We are absolutely delighted with this achievement. As a business our people are key to delivering millions of customer journeys every year. In essence they make the ‘everyday’ simply happen and the Gold IIP status really recognises these efforts.”

John Rochford, general manager for Arriva’s Darlington Depot , added; “The staff are all delighted; we’re so proud to serve the communities in and around Darlington. It’s so powerful seeing everyone’s hard work and dedication making a real difference to the customer experience. I just want to say a big thank you to the whole depot, it’s an amazing accolade for us.”