STAFF at Queen's Park Hospital and Royal Infirmary in Blackburn have worked so hard that bosses have decided to reward them with an unlikely gift -- a day off.

The Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS trust heard last week that it had been awarded three-star status in a new league table of trusts.

To thank staff for their efforts, management has given everyone an extra day's leave in the 2001/2 financial year.

Chief executive John Thomas said: "The rating we have been awarded reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff in providing the best possible care to patients.

"On behalf of the trust board I would like to thank everyone for their contribution. It is a splendid achievement and one of which we can be justly proud."

Union leaders were pleased with the news. Dill Eccleston, chairman of Staff Side said: "On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank the trust for awarding this extra day's leave. It will be well received as recognition of the hard work of the staff.

"We are particularly pleased that the holiday has been made to all staff as this recognises everyone's contribution to the achievement of the trust award."

Trust chairman Ian Woolley said: "I was delighted and very proud to hear the news that the trust had been awarded a three-star rating.

"The trust board felt it was important to mark this special achievement and is pleased to offer all staff one additional day's leave this year. I would like to add my personal thanks to them."

The trust was one of only four in the North West to be given the top three-star status, after being judged on everything from shorter patient waiting lists to cleanliness.