A WORKER has been selected from 13,000 fellow employees to receive a staff recognition award.

Guisborough man Julian Benstead, 44, has worked for Darlington-based mobile phone company Orange for the past nine years.

A panel of judges from the company was asked to find one member of staff to win the company's Global Recognition Award.

Mr Benstead, a controller support team coach, was honoured with the award for his work in improving quality and efficiency which resulted in saving colleagues, on three UK sites, several weeks of additional work.

Angela Howey, customer services manager, said: "Julian has had a remarkable few months, and his impact within our department has had massive benefits.

"He has looked at the bigger picture, worked outside his own team and freely shared his findings with everyone."

Mr Benstead said: "It is great to be recognised in this way and I always try to look for ways to improve the service to our customers. It is a team effort, though, and I must thank my colleagues for the support they give me."