A charity team are celebrating after picking up an award which shows they are in the elite for looking after staff and volunteers.

The Rossendale Trust , in Sutton, has been awarded the Investors in People Gold Standard award, which means it joins the top seven per cent of accredited organisations across the UK who have achieved this coveted award. The award recognises organisations which work hard to create a good working environment for staff and provide training.

The trust provides supported living care to adults with learning and physical disabilities in apartments in Sutton and Macclesfield and houses in Buxton.

It relies on donations to keep running and staff and volunteers, as well as friends of the charity, take part in regular events to raise cash.

Denise Riddell, training co-ordinator of the Rossendale Trust, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our team of staff here.

“It’s a real measure of how well the Trust supports not only the vulnerable people in our care but also our staff.

“The Rossendale Trust employs more than 170 full and part time staff and has undergone fundamental change in the last five to six years.

“We aim to create an environment where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential.”

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Paul Devoy, head of Investors in People, congratulated Rossendale Trust on their Gold standard.

He said: “Such a high level of accreditation is the sign of great people management practice and demonstrates a commitment to staff development and shows an organisation committed to being the very best it can be.

“The Rossendale Trust should be extremely proud of their achievement.”

Fundraising at the moment includes Karl Downing, who works in PR and fundraising for the charity, running the London Marathon in aid of the Trust.

To boost his sponsorship funds he is hosting a quiz night on Thursday, April 14 at the Porters Prince of Wales in Macclesfield with teams competing for prizes and a raffle also held on the night. Tickets cost £10 per person with teams limited to four players. The ticket price includes hot food and live music from the Langley-based Teggs Nose Pickas.

Tickets are now on sale from 01260 252216 or email karl.downing@rossendaletrust.org.