Three Crest Nicholson employees have been rewarded for their high standards. The men were announced as winners in the first stage of the National House Building Council's annual Pride in the Job Awards.

They are Ian Smith, development build manager, who is responsible for Ingress Park in Greenhithe; Roger Bennett, senior site manager, who oversees construction at Waterside in Gillingham; and Mike Cooper, a senior site manager responsible for Langhams in Bromley.

Nine site managers within the Crest Nicholson group won awards in this year's competition, which saw 1,700 entrants competing for 400 awards. Peter Bowden, managing director of Crest Nicholson, said: "The annual Pride in the Job competition is acknowledged as the premier quality initiative for the country's housebuilding industry and to win an award requires commitment, hard work and competence."

"All three possess a hands-on approach and this, together with their attention to the smallest detail, is testimony to their commitment to maintaining the exacting standards which we demand at Crest Nicholson."

Ian, Roger and Mike now proceed to the next heat and will compete for a Top 100 Seal of Excellence Award.