Castle Point's Citizens Advice Bureau has become one of the First in Britain to be recognised with a prestigious Investors in People award.

The national award recognises commitment by organisations to improve business performance by developing the staff which work for them.

The announcement follows two-and-a-half years of dedication from the 54 staff - the bulk of whom are volunteers - at the bureau in Long Road, Canvey.

Bureau manager Pauline Holroyd, said the award will stand staff in good stead for the future.

She said: "Fundraising is our single biggest issue. Having Investors in People status will, I know, count in our favour when we are discussing funding with organisations, particularly the local council which has been extremely supportive of us over the years.

"Having Investors in People status demonstrates our commitment to ensuring we have a well trained, motivated staff who are fully aware of what we, as a citizens advice bureau, are trying to achieve."

Pauline's husband, David, started staff on the road to the Investor in People award when he was chairman of the organisation.

Miall James, current chairman, is delighted his predecessor's foresight has paid off.

He said: "I don't think we should underestimate the usefulness of Investors in People to our future. We may well be the first CAB in Essex to achieve the award but I'm sure we won't be the last."

Essex Training and Enterprise Council, which oversees the award, also praised the achievement.

Spokesman Steve Halliday, said: "I share Miall's joy at the Castle Point branch becoming the first in the region and one of the first in the country to achieve the Investor in People standard.

"It is an excellent achievement by all concerned and I'm sure other branches will be looking upon the Castle Point branch as a guiding light for the future."

First class - CAB chairman Miall James and bureau manager Pauline Holroyd celebrate their achievement

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