A pharmaceutical giant has been given a gold medal for its commitment to safety.

3M Health Care, based in Upbrooks, Clitheroe, was today presented with a gold medal by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

The RoSPA occupational health and safety awards recognise companies that show the way with their health and safety management systems, with bronze, silver and gold level awards.

The gold medal is a special award given to companies that have achieved the highest RoSPA standard for five consecutive years or more.

David Rawlins, RoSPA awards manager said: "3M has demonstrated how seriously it takes health and safety and we would like to see more organisations following its lead by providing a positive example."

3M Health Care produces aerosol valves and components for the pharmaceutical industry at its plant, which employs around 160 staff.

Bob Wilkinson, the site's environment, health and safety engineer, said: "We're delighted to have won the gold medal and it's a tribute to the health and safety awareness shared by everyone at the site.

"Although the site has undergone significant restructuring during 2005, focus on health and safety has continued apace and has culminated in an excellent overall safety performance."

The company shed around 110 jobs last year following the steady decline in the demand for CFC inhalers by asthma sufferers.

The gold medal was presented to the company at a special RoSPA ceremony in Birmingham today.

3M Health Care, formerly Neotechnic Engineering, was bought by pharmaceutical giants 3M in 1989.

The site manufactures valves and canisters for pressurised inhalers.