STAFF at a Kent call centre who deal daily with people in debt are in line to win a prestigious award.

Staff at the debt purchase call centre at Cabot Financial Group, Kings Hill, West Malling are trained to treat all customers "fairly and with respect".

The centre is now on the short list for best centre in the third annual Contact Centre World Awards, dubbed the Olympics of the call centre industry.

Chief executive officer Ken Maynard is also shortlisted as best contact centre leader, and has been highly commended.

The European regional finals take place in June in London and the world final will be held in Las Vegas in November.

Mr Maynard said: "We are delighted to have had our hard work and endeavours recognised by way of these shortlistings.

"This recognition is a result of a team effort and we would like to congratulate all employees at Cabot Financial for helping make this possible.

"Our company ethos of treating customers fairly and with respect has allowed us to make great strides, and with our contact centre being such an integral part of this success, we were extremely proud to hear of our inclusion on these short lists."

Over 800 call centres worldwide take part in the competition.