A RAWTENSTALL based childcare consultancy has become the 1000th organisation in Lancashire to be awarded Investors in People.

Keys Childcare Consultancy was recognised for their work with children who have had difficulties in early life.

Investors in People is the nationally recognised standard which aims to enhance the company performance by training its workforce. Since April 2001 the award has been delivered to small businesses in the area by Business Link North & Western Lancashire.

Keys Childcare was established in 1994 and runs six children's homes across Lancashire and Cheshire.

The business specialises in looking after children who have attachment difficulties caused by their traumatic early life experiences. From its head office at Rawtenstall, Keys Childcare now employs 80 people.