BURY South MP Ivan Lewis turned the tables on TNT by making a very special delivery to the award-winning company.

In his capacity as Minister for Adult Learning and Skills, Mr Lewis presented the company -- which has a depot in Ramsbottom -- with its Investor in People (IIP) Champion award.

The accolade means the express delivery company takes a place among an elite band of only 16 UK business champions.

The IIP Champion programme recognises those employers that have boosted performance of their businesses through the way they manage and develop their employees.

Eddie O'Donnell, general manager of the TNT depot in Railway Street, Ramsbottom, said: "We are honoured to have been chosen as one the first Investor in People Champions. I believe this accolade recognises our commitment to employee development and also the success this has helped us achieve.

"Since we first achieved the IIP standard in 1994, we have enjoyed higher productivity, improved staff morale and seen a significant, positive impact to the bottom line."

He added: "Our ethos is that employees are central to the success of our organisation and it is vital that they are skilled, flexible and motivated."