FOUR Ashford organisations have been rewarded for measuring up to a prestigious national standard promoting the achievement of top staff development and training.

At a ceremony at Leeds Castle, Kent Gateway Chamber of Commerce, Supercups Vending of Ulley Road, Kennington, Lion Insulation of Willesborough, and ParaRail of Ruckinge, were presented with Investors in People Awards.

Malcolm Bell, principal of North West Kent College and a board member of the Learning Skills Council for Kent and Medway - which funds the programme - made the presentations.

Mr Bell said: "Investors in People and the improvement in staff training that it brings is very beneficial to both individuals and employers, which has clearly been demonstrated by these organisations

"Increasingly, Kent's skills base is the key to providing greater opportunities for people. With the significant economic growth in the county we need to ensure that a skilled workforce is available and the IIP scheme certainly helps to do that."