HEALTH workers in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale have scooped a top award for their work with diabetes sufferers.

Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Primary Care Trust has won the Health Service Journal's Secretary of State award for innovation and improvement.

Staff went to an awards ceremony in London to pick up the "gong" after impressing health experts with their project to help patients know more about diabetes so they could decide for themselves how to manage their condition.

The award was accepted on behalf of the PCT by Yvonne Radcliffe and diabetes dietician Trudi Deakin.

David Peat, chief executive of Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale PCT, said: "This is a remarkable achievement which reflects the sustained commitment and dedication by Trudi and all those staff involved in this innovative and groundbreaking work. The award is richly deserved and highlights the excellent work taking place within the PCT."

There were 1,134 entries for the awards and Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale PCT was one of 16 category winners. It went on to take the top prize.

Health Service Journal editor Alistair McLellan said: "Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale PCT pushed its nose in front because its entry addressed so many of the issues lying at the heart of health service reform, from chronic disease management to engaging with ethnic minorities.

"It also exhibited the growing influence of patients on the delivery of healthcare."

Among those who went along with the PCT's Chief Executive David Peat and staff were local MPs Gordon Prentice, Peter Pike and Janet Anderson.

Pendle's Gordon Prentice said: "It really is heart warming to see our local Primary Care Trust take on first class competition from all over Britain and come away with the top award."

Rossendale's Janet Anderson added: "The expert programme that the PCT has put together is a good example of what can be achieved by innovative thought and by putting patients first."