STAFF at a thriving community centre cafe have taken their training to another level.

Five employees and one volunteer at the Firthmoor and District Community Association on Burnside Road are celebrating after achieving their level two certificates in customer services.

Their achievement is the latest in a long line of successes for the centre which has seen the introduction of a community dentist, an improved nursery service and a rejuvenated over 60s club in the last four years.

Association chairman, Kevin Nicholson, who was awarded a BEM last year for helping to turn the struggling centre’s fortunes around since it was set to close in 2009, said he was proud of his team’s success.

He said: “I would like to congratulate our staff team on achieving these recognised awards.

“Our aim is to provide the highest quality service to all of our customers and this training programme underpins our vision to be the best community charity in Darlington by investing in our team and focusing on our customers.”