MANAGERS at Blackburn-based Dauphin plc took a back seat when their workers took centre stage for the company's Employee of the Year awards.

The German-owned office seating manufacturer, which saw sales increase by more than 20 per cent last year, introduced the awards in appreciation of the workers contribution. Managing director Alan Verrinder said the company believed in working as a team.

"With ever-increasing sales and a well-motivated, happy workforce, the company can only succeed.

"We believe in rewarding our members and encouraging them to fulfil their potential," he added. The Account Managers' Award went to Steve Longford, public sector sales manager.

The Administration Award was won by Alison Stringer.

The Operations and Production Award was collected by Soqut Momoniat.