SEDGEFIELD Borough Council has been awarded Investors In People status.

Norman Vaulks, chief executive, received the award from comic Frank Carson at Lumley Castle, Chester-le-Street.

To be awarded Investors In People status, the council had to demonstrate it was looking to develop and improve by investing in its staff. The award is built on four principles - planning, action, evaluation and commitment - and the council had to show it had satisfied criteria in each.

Mr Vaulks said: "The commitment and dedication of all the workforce has been paramount in achieving this prestigious award."