A HEALTH trust is toasting its success after being recognised for its commitment to its staff.

North Durham Health Care NHS Trust has been awarded Investors in People (IIP) accreditation for the third successive time.

The scheme provides a framework to help organisations improve the way they work, and to gain the accreditation, the trust had to perform well against set criteria.

Ian Palfreeman, director of human resources at the trust, said: "This is no small achievement.

"The accreditation team asked more than 70 members of staff and managers for their views on how the trust plans, communicates, trains and develops its people.

"I am extremely proud of the trust's achievement."