NEARLY 90 social services staff have been rewarded for taking part in a wide-ranging training programme.

They learned about many aspects of teamwork, management, policy development and other subjects such as stress awareness and communication.

The staff also looked at many areas of the law, including the human rights and race relations acts, disability discrimination, equal opportunities and community care legislation.

The nine-month programme was commissioned through the Manchester Centre for Health Care Management (MCHM).

Certificates of achievement were presented to the staff last week at the Bolholt Country Park Hotel.

Councillor Mike Connolly, executive member for health, housing and social services, said: "This was a comprehensive training programme and was tackled with great enthusiasm by all concerned. It included everyone in fieldwork services, and that meant that the head of field social workers received training alongside home care assessors, disability officers, support staff, team managers, home care organisers, emergency referral officers and social workers.

"I congratulate all the staff. The things that they have learned will serve the people of Bury well for many years to come."