NORTHUMBRIAN Water has maintained its title as the only water company to be added to the 2015 World’s Most Ethical Company list for the fifth year running.

The company based at Pity Me, near Durham City, is also the only UK-based utility company to be awarded the title by the Ethisphere Institute, the global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

The World’s Most Ethical Companies designation recognises those organisations that have had a material impact on the way business is conducted by fostering a culture of ethics and transparency at every level of the company.

Heidi Mottram, Northumbrian's chief executive, said: "I am delighted that this is the fifth year we have been named as the most ethical water company in the world.

"This recognises how our people across the business always keep environmental and social issues at the heart of our thinking, to provide excellent service to our customers and to contribute to the success of our local communities."