LANCASHIRE has become one of just two counties in England to win the prestigious Charter Mark award for its pioneering work with the children of traveller families.

Lancashire County Council's Preston based Traveller Education Service ensures children can receive national curriculum education without upsetting their lifestyle.

Education worker Jeanne Kenyon, from the service's East Crest office, said: "We are the first traveller consortium to win this award.

It has allowed for better communication between traveller parents and schools so they can listen to what parents and children have to say and what their needs are."

She added: "We try to raise the value of education to parents who don't put their children in schools.

"To me it is really important to forget a child's traveller label when discussing education as it can jeopardise a positive school experience."

The Lancashire officers received their awards at a glittering ceremony in London attended by Labour MP Mo Mowlam and other ministers.

The prestigious award aims to recognise and encourage excellence in public service. And the county council's service was praised by assessors as one which raised awareness and understanding between travellers and schools.

Results from a recent survey also showed the initiative was just as popular with both travellers and training providers alike.

Lancashire's chairman of Education and Cultural Services, county councillor Hazel Harding, said: "The county council is committed to provide best value services to all Lancashire residents and this is a perfect example of our officers working to a very high standard to promote social inclusion and raise educational standards."

Pictured are education staff with children from travelling families.