THE green team at Samlesbury have become the first British Aerospace site in the country to win a top 'eco-award'.

The site has gained the environmental quality standard ISO 14001 for its continued support for environmental protection and prevention of pollution.

The important international accreditation was awarded after an exhaustive review of the site's environmental processes by four auditors from Lloyds Register Quality Assurance.

Site Director Phil Blundell said: "Gaining accreditation for this new standard gives independent assurance that appropriate systems are in place, which gives added peace of mind both for us in the business and for our neighbours in the Ribble Valley."

To meet the exacting standards of ISO 14001, environmental officer Danny Martland and his team worked in partnership with a broad range of people and organisations, including the Environmental Agency, the Groundwork Trust, Lancaster University's Institute of Environmental and Biological Sciences and co-ordinators in each of the site's five business areas.

He said: "Gaining the award is not just about being a good corporate citizen. There are increasingly stiff legal penalties for spillages and similar environmental mishaps which, in extreme cases, can include large fines and imprisonment of up to six months."

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