STAFF at a housing association are celebrating after they were awarded a Charter Mark.

Broadacres, in Northallerton, provides housing services to more than 4,500 homes in North Yorkshire. Charter Mark assessor Peter Benzies visited staff, tenants and contractors.

He said the association's main strength was its customer focus and the enthusiasm and flexibility of its staff.

Managing director Steve Towers said: "The award reflects the hard work and dedication of Broadacres employees, who strive to provide a good-quality responsive service in what can be difficult circumstances.

"It emphasises the importance which the association's board of management places upon service delivery and, as volunteers, their genuine desire to improve the quality of life of our customers."