Bolton Council has cleaned up in a national awards scheme which puts people-power first.

The council's Commercial Services department has become the latest to achieve the coveted Investor in People (IIP) status and has been recognised in particular for its commitment to employee development.

And the honour means that now the council's entire list of eight departments have all gained the award - a first for any metropolitan council in the country.

Commercial Services is responsible for delivering the council's frontline services from managing the borough's five markets to providing daily meals for Bolton's schools and colleges.

The department employs 2,000 people at 271 different sites, and has also become a City and Guilds assessment centre through working with colleges to provide NVQ qualifications in everything from administration to waste management.

Executive Member for Direct Services, Cllr Donald Grime, said: "We are a people-intensive business and it is vital that we work together with our staff to achieve the highest possible standards of service and customer satisfaction." PEOPLE POWER: Bolton Council's Commercial Services Department picks up the Investor in People award. Pictured with the award are (clockwise, left to right): Nigel Whittle, Andrew Ratcliffe, director of membership for Bolton and Bury Chamber, Alan Fisher, director of Commercial Services, Cllr Donald Grime and training and development officer Ruth Seddon.