A PRESTIGIOUS award has been handed to three Chorley organisations at a special ceremony.

Woodlands Conference Centre, Bishop Rawstorne CE High in Croston and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital have all picked up the Charter Mark.

The Government accolade highlights excellence in public service and the three winners attended a reception at County Hall in Preston to mark their achievements.

The leader of the Lancashire County Council, John West, said: "It gave me great pleasure to be able to hold a reception for representatives of these excellent services and thank them personally for their efforts."

Lancashire came out on top this year, with eight awards - more than any other council in the country. Winners included Lancashire Fire Brigade and county information centres.

Chorley's MP Lindsay Hoyle was also delighted at the award of the Charter Marks. He said: "This is a proud achievement for all those involved. I am delighted to see that such a high level of service is being offered at Woodlands to those requiring training and education and I look forward to visiting the centre in the near future.

"It is yet another success in addition to the Charter Marks awarded to Chorley and South Ribble Hospital and Bishop Rawstorne High School."

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