EAST Lancashire transport firm Fraser Eagle has been honoured for its diverse workforce.

The firm, based in Padiham, received the Age Positive Award, which recognises achievement in promoting an age diverse workforce by tackling issues, including age discrimination.

Fraser Eagle won the employer category after making a decision in 2005 to abolish a compulsory retirement age.

The firm holds pre-retirement seminars, and its redundancy policy concentrates on skills, not age.

The award was presented to Fraser Eagle at a special ceremony in London, compered by former TV news reader Angela Rippon.

James Purnell, Department for Work and Pensions Minister, said: "The Age Positive Awards prove that attitudes towards age in the UK are changing.

"Our winners not only demonstrate that ageist stereotypes should be consigned to the rubbish heap, but also that a workforce of varied ages benefits business."