A SMALL Burnley firm was being honoured today for its success in tackling unemployment in the North West.

Builders, painters and decorators Prime Finish is one of just eight businesses in the region to receive a North West New Deal Award at a special ceremony in Chester.

The company, the smallest of the award winners, was selected from 118 regional entries in the Employment Service competition which recognises the commitment of firms to supporting New Deal - the job creation initiative for young people - since its launch last year.

A judging panel selected the Burnley business for the Special Award for Support.

Their adjudication says the business worked closely with the Jobcentre and New Deal Personal Advisers (NDPA) to provide support for three permanent New Deal employees.

They were provided with structured training and the firm was keen to fund further training for all its employees.

The awards were presented by Chester MP Christine Russell.

Employment Service staff now plan to draw together all the good ideas which have emerged during the selection process to produce a single document of best practice for the region's businesses to consult.

Margaret John, North West Regional Director, said: "The North West received 118 entries, more than any other region in the country, which, I believe, reflects the enormous amount of effort that is taking place here."

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