A WEARSIDE company has enjoyed a double celebration with 37 of its workforce gaining qualifications while the company marked its 25th anniversary.

Teams Roofing, of Washington, is the first company in the region to have all its workforce gain NVQ awards and may also be among the first nationally.

The 37 were all presented with the level two and level three awards at a party to recognise their hard work and the progress the company has made.

The firm got help from Business Link Tyne and Wear.

Two years ago the company received Investors in People accreditation with support from Business Link. The celebration is an extension of the increased focus on worker development.

Director Sandra Willits said: "There has been a move in our industry towards gaining industry standard qualifications. There is a set deadline of 2003 and we are delighted to be well ahead of the rest.

"We have always been very keen to develop our workforce but, having gained IIP, we now have a definitive plan in place of continuous improvement. Gaining 37 NVQ level two and three qualifications is fantastic for us and a reflection of the quality of the workforce."

Teams Roofing, which employs 40, was set up by Sandra and husband Alan and remains very much a family company.

One of the NVQ holders, Joe Buxton, 60, a sheeter from Heaton, Newcastle, said: "I was not sure about starting an NVQ at my age, but having now achieved it, I am really pleased. We can show the young ones a thing or two about training.