FOUR managers from leading voluntary organisations have received a national vocational qualification in management at level three or above.

They work for Stockton Parents Support, Redcar and Cleveland VDA, Teesside and District Society for the Blind, and My Sister's Place Women's Advice Centre, in Middlesbrough,

Topics on the course ranged from fundraising to management committee training.

More than 80 managers have gained NVQs since 2002, with a further 80 working towards the qualification across The Northern Echo circulation area.

Anne Burleigh, deputy director of the Northern Rock Foundation, who spoke at the presentation, said: "Improving management skills is not just about developing organisations, it's about better services and support for those who benefit from the work of voluntary sector organisations.''