WEST Devon Borough Council is polishing off its coveted Investors in People award after winning the national quality standard.

The council received its final assessment late last year and will now be putting up plaques in its reception areas at its offices in Tavistock and Okehampton.

In a report to the authority, the Investors in People assessor said he was ?struck by the council?s success, and its people-centred culture.?

West Devon Borough Council employs 138 staff ? the lowest number of employees for a district council in the country. It also covers one of the largest and most sparsely populated districts in England.

Cllr Peter Hill, Mayor of West Devon, said: ? The award is well deserved and reflects quite justly the enthusiasm and increasing professional approach that is adopted in the delivery of public services in West Devon.?

Personnel manager Jan Montague said she was delighted with the award.

?Investors in People reflects on every member of our staff ? giving recognition to their hard work and commitment.

?The council?s management has been strongly committed to investing in their staff.

?It is through this working partnership of management and staff that has led to our achievement.?