Around 40 employees at Camborne’s Kerrier district council offices have been awarded certificates at a special ceremony.

Qualifications presented by council chief executive Barry Manning included the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) course in first line management, the European Computer Driving Licence that covers a wide range of computing skills and the NVQ level three in customer service.

Kerrier council is accredited by the ILM and able to offer ILM programmes.

It is the first council to do so in Cornwall, and the first council in the South West region to offer ILM awards to both members and officers.

Councillor Mike Clayton, portfolio holder for staffing, said: “Kerrier’s ongoing commitment to training and development will undoubtedly improve the professional status of our staff and, in turn, the quality of the services we can offer the local community. But, achieving recognised industry qualifications will also help prepare staff and members for the forthcoming changes to a unitary authority as they face changing roles and responsibilities.

“I hope that Kerrier staff will be given the same opportunities for development they currently receive as we are proud to be at the forefront of personal development in Cornwall’s local authorities and to continue the high standards of service shown to our community at large.”