THE team that maintains school sports pitches, cuts grass and looks after shrubs and borders in public buildings in North Yorkshire are blooming with success.

The county council's grounds maintenance staff have been rewarded for their hard work with the Institute of Leadership and Management Introductory Team Leader Award.

The six grounds team leaders and four management staff who work in the northern part of the county were presented with their certificates by county councillor Carl Les.

The qualification, which is sponsored by the North Yorkshire County Council management programme, has contributed to the successful achievement of Investors in People status for the unit.

Coun Les, said: "I would like to congratulate our staff on this achievement.

"As part of the county council's commitment to customer service we actively pursue Investors in People status and this success is part of the process."

The certificate recipients were: David Rowley, Don Fergeson, Andrew Gibson, Ken Atkinson, Barry Hooper, Alan Mundy, Gary Moore, John Moore, Elaine Wallace and Brian Barritt.