A CHARITY'S campaign director is celebrating after he was awarded the leading credential for fundraising professionals.

After a four-hour exam, the first of its kind held in the UK, Robert Astick has been given the designation of Certified Fund Raising Executive.

Only those who have five years' fundraising experience can apply for the credential and those that have been successful must be re-certified every three years.

Mr Astick heads a team of fundraisers at Henshaw's College, Harrogate, who are aiming to raise £7m to upgrade the residential facilities for young people with a visual impairment who have additional difficulties or disabilities.

He said: "This proves that you are among the best fundraising professionals in the world, and the fact that it is recognised in the USA, Canada and Australia is an extra bonus."