From Paula Miles, Exeter 383290, January 24,2008

DEDICATED Devon County Council staff have been recognised for their commitment, care and service to the people of Devon at a special award ceremony.

The cheerful, positive work of 22 staff and teams from all areas of the County's work was celebrated at the annual Customer Service Awards held this week at County Hall.

Now in their third year, the Awards were presented to the winners by Devon County Council Chairman, Brenda Taylor, in the presence of colleagues, family and friends. All of the nominations were made by work colleagues.

Devon County Council puts customer service at the heart of its programme of delivering vital services to the people of Devon. Last year the Council's Customer Service Centre received over 10,000 general enquiries every month and helped older people claim nearly £6million in unclaimed benefits.

The Award nominations were considered by a judging panel including Councillor Des Hannon, Executive Member for Corporate Performance, Judith Davey, Devon County Council's Head of Organisational Development and Don Hales, Founder and Chairman of Judges, National Customer Service Awards. There were over 90 nominations reflecting the high levels of service the County Council provides.

Cllr Hannon said: "Every year we get an incredibly high standard of nominations for these awards. That just goes to prove how much care, commitment and professionalism our staff put into serving Devon's people all year round. So it's a pleasure to be able to show our stars how much we appreciate them at this brilliant annual event."

Don Hales added: "As founder and Chairman of Judges for the National Customer Service Awards I was amazed at the standard of entries from just one local authority. From all that I have seen, the people of Devon are well served by many service stars at the County Council who strive to excel and continually look for better ways of doing things."

The four categories, runners up and winners are:

Service with a smile - for the person who always offers a friendly and polite service and is able to communicate effectively with all customers. They make people remember them and want to go back to them in the future.

Winner - Susan Galvin, Adoption Letter Box Co-ordinator.

Runners up - Camilla Cork, Training Admin Officer; Henrietta Coffin, Referral Co-ordinator Learning Disability Team and Steve Wright, Customer Service Centre Advisor.

Reaching out - this person has a friendly face and makes others feel important, valuing everyone they come in contact with and going out of their way to reach out, include and involve all. An ambassador for their service and the County Council.

Winner - Ros Mills, Public Rights of Way Officer.

Runners up - Sarah Simpson, Y-SMART Service Manager; Area East Highways Management Team and Darren Westlake, Customer Service Centre Advisor.

Going the extra mile - nothing is too much trouble for this person. They always do more than expected of them and are happy to do so. They never let colleagues or customers down and never make excuses.

Winner - Pat Gordon, Customer Service Centre Advisor.

Runners up - Margaret Whilden, Homecarer; Jenny Bergfeld, Family Support Worker and Adrian Elson, Finance Officer.

Big thank you team award - this team works really hard, never expecting recognition or rewards, they find nothing is too much trouble and will go out of their way to get things done with no fuss. Everyone relies on them.

Winner - East Devon Family Support Workers

Runners up - ICT Helpdesk Team and MyDevon Customer Service Centre.

The overall winner announced on the night was Public Rights of Way Officer, Ros Mills.

A special award has also been launched this year to recognise the overall customer care provided to an individual or group by a number of County Council staff. The Archer Award has been named after Geoffrey Archer from Ashwater near Beaworthy. When he needed assistance in his home after a serious knee injury, Mr Archer was so impressed by the caring service he received from staff within Adult and Community Service he asked for the opportunity to personally thank everyone involved in his case. The result is the Archer Award. (See notes to Editors)

In addition to the Customer Service Awards, for the first time the ceremony included an Equality Best Practice Award which recognises a County Council initiative that has led the way with delivering equality of services to Devon residents. 48 areas of good practice were identified and the winning initiative is the Apprenticeship Programme which provides young people with the opportunity to develop skills, gain national qualifications and secure permanent employment.

Notes for Editors:

Geoffrey Archer had a serious accident at home, resulting in a very bad knee injury and the need for surgery and lengthy recuperation. Back home, Mr Archer realised he urgently needed a hand rail fitted to his stairs and called Devon County Council for advice. Mr Archer says he was treated with the utmost kindness and respect from the people who took his calls and he felt he was being 'listened to' by people who showed interest and empathy with his problems. Receiving the Archer Award is:

Alix Hoyle Initial Contact Assessment

Penny Wray Visited and reviewed

Edward Cox Referral to district office

Bernadette Brady Referral to district office

Caroline Troake Organised blue badge

David Thomas Engineer fitted handrail

Winners received a high street voucher and an engraved Dartington glass bowl. The runners up in each category all received certificates acknowledging their contributions.

Photos of the event are available. Please contact the Media and PR Service on 01392 383290 for details and for interviews with any of the runners-up or award winners.

Cllr Hannon can be contacted on 01884 253627.