REDCAR and Cleveland Borough Council is celebrating an international award for its rising standards in environmental maintenance.

An inspection by auditors highlighted forward-looking policies "light years" ahead of other councils, well-establish-ed systems, sound management and leadership in awarding the new 9001 standard.

The review in the council's neighbourhood services department, covered highway construction and maintenance, grounds maintenance, vehicle and plant maintenance and the cleansing section of customer services.

The council's lead member for sustainable environment Councillor Brian Hogg said: "I think we're demonstrating our commitment to quality, making sure that our frontline services are at least a match to those of the private sector.

"We believe we're one of the first local authorities in the country to aspire to and achieve the new accreditation and it's a credit to every member of our workforce that we can celebrate."