CARE workers are celebrating having gained a training award in record time.

Lancashire County Council's Care Services (LCCS), which have 2,400 staff responsible for the county's homes for the elderly and home help scheme, have scooped the East Lancashire Training and Enterprise Council's (ELTEC) Investors in People award.

More than 150 staff gathered at County Hall, Preston, to mark the occasion. They are pictured with county council leader Hazel Harding, front, with general manager of care services Steve Williams and Steve Palmer, executive director of the learning skills council.

Councillor Harding said: "The care services provide excellent services to our residents all over Lancashire, so it is reassuring that their high standards have been recognised so quickly."

Mr Williams said: "It is therefore a tremendous achievement to have gained the award for the whole organisation.