WORKERS at a manufacturing company have been brushing up on their skills, thanks to the North-East Chamber of Commerce.

Five employees from the Team Valley Brush Company in Gateshead have achieved NVQs in Performing Manufacturing Operations Level Two, after completing training with the chamber's South Tyneside Training Centre.

The Brush Company enlisted the help of the chamber to design and deliver a course specifically geared to the needs of the company, which manufacturers brushes for export across the world.

Employees received shop floor training in everything from health and safety, time management and communications to team building.

Alison Robson, from Burnopfield, was one of the employees to achieve the qualification. She said: "After completing the training I feel far more confident about my job.

"Taking part helped me to improve my communication and team working skills as well as raise my awareness of key health and safety issues."

Founded at the end of the 19th Century, The Team Valley Brush Company is one of the largest specialist brush manufacturers in Europe.

It employs 150 staff and produces a variety of ceramic, artistic and cosmetic brushes.

John Scott, training advisor at the South Tyneside centre, said: "The NVQ is designed to help those in the manufacturing industry improve their key skills and help the company increase efficiency that can be seen in the bottom line."

Companies wanting to find out more about training courses should contact Mr Scott on 0191-427 0663.