EDUCATION chiefs are celebrating after passing a difficult examination.

The community education service run by North Yorkshire County Council has been awarded the Matrix quality standard - confirming that it is developing, delivering and managing high-quality information, advice and guidance services.

The intensive week-long assessment involved a rigorous inspection of standards, from service deliverers and service users across the county.

The assessment covered all 29 community education districts and involved a range of service users, including women's groups, individuals receiving training support and members of the community.

Gill Morrissey, assistant education officer for community education, said: "The assessment congratulated us on our innovative approach in reaching rural areas and providing a range of good quality services across the county. It has given staff the recognition they deserve."