TWO call centre workers have been honoured with industry awards.

Mark Willett, 27, of Cranwell Grove, Thornaby, who works at recently established Teesside business OC5, won the UK Support Manager of the Year award at the Call Centre Management Association (CCMA) event of the year at the Park Lane Hotel, in London.

His colleague Joanne Potter, 35, of Guildford Road, Normanby, was beaten into third place for the UK Call Centre Manager of the Year title.

The pair work for the 150-strong, Wilton based OC5 centre, newly acquired by Singapore based SembCorp Utilities.

In the past year, OC5 has secured a long-term contract with Centrica Business Services, dealing with British Gas commercial customers.

Mr Willett said: "I was delighted just to have been nominated, but to win was more than I could have imagined. It was a great night for everyone at OC5 and Teesside call centre workers in general. It showed we have the talent and ability to match anyone, anywhere."

Rob Hill, of CCMA, said: "Mark and Joanne's tremendous achievements can't be underestimated for a business which is so relatively young. Mark, in particular, proved his competence and displayed great specialist knowledge and technical understanding to win the award."