STAFF at the Benefits Agency at Gregson House have achieved the Charter Mark, a government award for service to the public.

St Helens North MP Dave Watts, who went along to congratulate management and staff at the Central Street office, said: "The Benefits Agency offer a crucial and sensitive service to the public. I am delighted that the South West Lancs District has been awarded the Charter Mark.

"This award enables organisations to look at ways they can improve the services they provide, and acknowledges the significant improvements the agency has made on behalf of its customers."

The district, which has offices at St Helens, Skelmersdale and Ormskirk, and administers benefits and advice to around 90,000 customers, won the prestigious award at their first attempt following a stringent independent assessment by Cabinet Office inspectors.

The judges were particularly impressed with a number of initiatives including the use of the Internet/Intranet to improve information access for customers, and services such as the Benefits Advice Surgeries regularly held at local hospitals.

A quarterly newsletter designed and produced by staff, also keeps customers informed of any benefit changes and issues of interest.

Two representatives from the agency will travel to London to collect the Charter Mark Award from senior Cabinet Ministers.

Dave Smedley, district manager said: "This award acknowledges the commitment, dedication and hard work shown by every member of staff to continuously improve the services we provide for our customers. Many of our own customers were interviewed by the Charter Mark Assessors, as were a number of representatives from other organisations.

"It's reassuring to know therefore, that the people whose opinions really matter helped us to win this tremendous award.

"This is an excellent achievement."