NORTH-EAST van rental firm Northgate has been recognised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

The Darlington-based company, the UK's largest vehicle rental business, has won an Occupational Health and Safety Award.

The Silver Award will be presented at a ceremony in Birmingham on Tuesday, May 13.

Colin Gilstin, Northgate's health and safety manager, said: "Health and safety to Northgate is about making sure that our employees and our customers are kept as safe as possible.

"Through the procedures we have put in place, such as licensing our mechanics, through the Society of Operation Engineers' IRTEC Licensing Scheme, we aim to ensure that our customers are in safe hands when they rent vehicles from us."

David Rawlins, RoSPA awards manager, said: "Northgate has shown a commitment to protecting the health and wellbeing of its employees and others. We hope other businesses and organisations will follow its lead and strive for continuous improvement in health and safety management."

The win follows Northgate winning a RoSPA Silver Award in 2006.