STAFF at a care home near Darlington are celebrating the results of an in-house training programme that has helped increase business turnover by more than 40 per cent in four years.

Almost everyone working in Middleton Hall, Middleton-St-George, has completed or is taking part in a training scheme started in 2000.

At a staff achievement evening, among those receiving praise were Libby Fish, 21, and senior carer Shirley Wood, 53, who have been awarded NVQs.

Debby Lamont, Middleton Hall's general manager, said training was an integral part of the development plan for the business

"Our staff are our greatest asset. Over the past four years we have invested as much commitment and enthusiasm in our people as we have in our facilities," she said.

Middleton Hall is a privately owned company offering facilities from residential care apartments to specialised rehabilitation care.

Almost 70 per cent of care staff working at Middleton Hall now have an NVQ and many others are working towards a qualification. Since the programme started 18 staff have been promoted.

Ms Lamont said the programme of training covered skills training, people development and management training.