POWER tool firm Black and Decker is celebrating the 100 per cent uptake and success rate of a training scheme that recognises the expertise of its Spennymoor workforce.

So far more than 200 of its 2,000-strong workforce have achieved NVQ level 2 in manufacturing processing. More than 370 workers from the plant are included in the first wave of the voluntary programme, which will extend to all of its permanent production workers.

Tim Fenwick, 28, of the component department, was among the first to receive their certificates.

He said: "Everyone involved is very positive about the scheme. It's great to get the recognition of our skills from the company and from the assessor."

All the permanent manufacturing workforce should reach NVQ level 2 by the end of next year.