PEOPLE power has earned a top workplace award for a local authority unit.

Bury Council's environment and development services department has achieved the Investor in People (IIP) status.

The accolade recognises that the department has embraced a commitment to training and development and appreciates the benefits that improved "people performance" delivers.

The department covers a varied section of the local authority's employees, including engineering services, environmental services, leisure services, operational services, planning and economic development and property and technical services.

Councillor Tony Isherwood, executive member for performance management, said: "The council is fully committed to developing workforce skills in order to achieve its wider, corporate aims in serving the borough.

"The IIP process benefits individuals, teams and the organisation as a whole. It also helps provide everyone with an understanding about where they fit into the organisation."

Philip Allen, director of environmental and development services, said: "This is marvellous news. The assessor had much praise for the department citing, among other things, our innovative thinking, service planning process, our team approach to work and listening and responding to employees and recipients of services.

"This is no mean feat given the range of services we cover and results from everyone's efforts, hard work and commitment."