A PRESTIGIOUS public service award has attracted a mammoth entry from Lancashire.

A record-breaking 25 organisations have applied for the 1997 Charter Mark Award including several from East Lancashire.

A tenancy scheme in Hope Street, Blackburn, Accrington and Rossendale College and Coates Lane primary school in Barnoldswick are among the applicants.

Residents in Lancashire have also nominated more than 1,000 organisations for Charter Mark recognition.

Government minister Peter Kilfoyle said: "People deserve to get the best so I am delighted a record breaking number of organisations in Lancashire are applying for a Charter Mark this year.

"It's now up to the independent panel of judges to decide whether they deserve to be award winners."

"I am also pleased at the number of nominations in Lancashire. "Being nominated is an achievement in itself and I am sure those who have been nominated feel great to know their efforts are being appreciated by the public."

The Charter Mark is awarded to public service organisations which meet nine tough criteria.

They include consulting the public about what services they want, providing as much choice as possible and giving polite and helpful service.

Kath Culshaw and Ann Marie Nedeljkovic from the Hope Street scheme travelled to London to hand over their nomination to Zyg Kowalczyk, deputy director of the charter programme.

And Susan Midgley of Accrington and Rossendale College also met up with the Deputy Director of the Charter Mark awards.

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