A north Durham employer has been honoured for backing the nation's reserve forces.

The Explorer Group, based in Delves Lane, near Consett, has won the national Sabre award.

The caravan and motor homes manufacturer was recognised for its continued support for local reservist and employee Stewart Whitfield.

Mr Whitfield has recently been deployed to both Kosovo and Iraq. The Explorer Group ensured that his job was kept open, and also helped maintain regular contact between him and his family.

The certificate was presented to Mr Whitfield in a ceremony in Newcastle.