ONE of the region's major shopping centres has been recognised with an international safety award.
Gateshead's MetroCentre is one of only 40 organisations worldwide to receive a British Safety Council Sword of Honour.
It is also the only shopping centre in the country to qualify for the award, which recognises safety systems that rank among the best.
Only organisations that achieve the maximum rating in the safety council's five star health and safety management system audit are eligible to apply. They also have to prove they have a culture of aiming for best practice.
Safety council director general David Ballard presented the award to John Stephenson, MetroCentre technical services manager, at Goldsmith's Hall, London.
Mr Ballard said: "You have shown you are truly world class by adopting best practice.
"If every business followed your example, industry in the UK could save up to £18bn per year by cutting the cost of accidents, lost production, sick leave compensation, fines and court cases."
Mr Stephenson said: "Our team has worked very hard to achieve this status and will continue to ensure that MetroCentre is one of the safest places to shop."
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