SOCIAL services staff who provide front-line care and support for thousands of people across North Yorkshire have had their efforts recognised.

The hands-on care staff work in a variety of areas including looking after people in their own homes, day centres and in residential care.

They have gained nationally recognised qualifications at a variety of levels for the work they undertake within the community.

Many staff have achieved National Vocational Qualifications in Care, and experienced social workers from North Yorkshire have been among the first in the country to have completed the new Post Qualifying Award in child care.

Staff development manager Mark Prescott said: "Social services are delighted that our staff have been developing their careers and competencies in this way and working hard to make progress in very changing and challenging times.

"Many people are studying for qualification awards in care and these awards represent a measure of the high quality of services the county council is committed to providing for the people of North Yorkshire."