A BOLTON law firm has been named as one of the best employers in the country.

Middlebrook-based Keoghs was listed 25th in the Sunday Times' Best Companies To work For 2004 list after the newspaper surveyed nearly 60,000 workers across the country.

Firms have been judged on aspects such as flexibility, conditions, opportunities and management.

Keoghs, founded in 1973 and now employing 370 people, was praised for promoting wellbeing and personal growth.

The company has mushroomed in the last four years since Paul Smith was recruited as chief executive and offices were opened at Middlebrook and in Coventry.

Keoghs, which specialises in insurance and business law, appeared on last year's list at number 49, but has leapt 24 places to make it into the top quarter of employers.

The firm's biography in the Sunday Times supplement highlights good team work and spirit, with just 17 per cent saying team members did not care for each other.

They were also praised for having the third lowest level of stress among all the companies. Just 17 per cent said they felt they had suffered ill-effects of overworking within the last year.

Frances Cross, human resources director at Keoghs, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised by the Sunday Times for the second year running, and especially to have improved on our position from last year.

"Jumping to 25th from 49th is a real achievement. Our intention is to make Keoghs the employer of choice in the areas in which we operate. We have introduced a wide range of initiatives with a view to continuously improving staff satisfaction and motivation, and making Keoghs a great place to work.

"Our clients benefit too, as happy and motivated employees deliver a better service. This award shows that we are making real progress, and we are all thrilled to receive it."

St Anne's Hospice, which has a site in Little Hulton, also made the list - coming in at number seven.

The charity gives care to patients who have undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery for terminal illnesses.

It employs nearly 400 staff at three sites and has won accolades for its team approach to caring.

"Its committed staff thrive in a positive atmosphere of teamwork and professionalism," reads the firm's biography.

Staff nurse Sue Stenson said: "Sometimes you do have unhappiness and stress, but if you can have a laugh with your colleagues it helps you through."