KENT Police's force communications centre training department has won the National Institute of IT Training silver award for Training Department of the Year (public sector) 2007.

The new award recognises the exceptional achievement against standards with the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of learning and development solutions.

Michelle West and Becky Humphreys represented the department in the final which was held at IITT Headquarters in Coventry in December.

They gave a 30 minute presentation highlighting the achievements of the department to a panel of judges. They then went on to face a series of challenging questions from the panel.

Michelle and Becky went on to accept the award at a dinner reception held at London's Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane.

Kent Police’s Ch Supt David Pryde said: “Technology is essential in today’s policing environment. It is also very complicated and requires a significant investment in training to get the most from it.

"Winning this prestigious award, against very tough competition, reflects Kent Police’s desire to continually improve and provide the best possible service to people of Kent and Medway.”

The force communications centre was chosen as one of four finalists competing against Belfast County Council, Sussex Health Information Services and the City of London Corporation. Belfast County Council received the Gold Award.