CHAMPAGNE corks popped as two local schools celebrated the achievement of being awarded Investors in People (IIP) status.

Representatives from Holcombe Brook CP school and Potters School in Bury attended a champagne reception to mark the occasion.

The event was hosted by Business Link North Manchester at the Village Hotel, Heap Bridge.

Investors in People marks a firm commitment towards staff training and development and is becoming an increasingly important business accessory for many companies and organisations.

Framed certificates were presented to each organisation by Roger Hinchliffe, chairman of Business Link North Manchester.

Overall, the event was held to celebrate the achievements of 36 organisations located throughout Bury, Wigan, Bolton, Rochdale and Oldham. These are the areas which are covered by Business Link North Manchester.

And each had a common denominator: they had made a commitment to develop their employees, using the Investors in People framework, while successfully developing their organisation.

Following an introduction by Peter Morton, chief executive of Business Link North Manchester, Stephen Reubens of Space Housing gave a talk on moving forward after recognition.