A WORCESTER business has won an award for its work with the arts.

Vantage Computer Solutions, of St John's, received a commendation at the ninth annual Arts and Business Awards, at St David's Hall, Cardiff, last month.

The company won the award in the New Partnership category as a result of its link-up with the annual Hay Festival.

The Arts and Business Cymru draws business and art organisations together to their mutual benefit.

The judges were particularly impressed by the way the partnership between Vantage and the Hay Festival had benefited the town of Hay-on-Wye as well as assisting the literary festival.

The partnership included computer training courses donated by Vantage Computer Solutions and held in Hay-on-Wye, earning revenue for the festival.

"This is a very prestigious event for us and something that will help the festival," said Victor Chambers, director in charge of training at Vantage.

"Both Vantage and the Hay Festival will be developing the partnership over the next few years and plan to offer European Computer Driving Licences (ECDL) to residents, employers and employees in Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding areas.

"This programme will involve a two-year series of training and testing for anyone who wishes to have proof of achieving a recognised standard in using computers.

"We are looking towards a long-term commitment to the Hay Festival and to the town of Hay-on-Wye, and I can't think of a more rewarding way of achieving this."

This year's event, which finished last week, included writers such as Maya Angelou, Fay Weldon and Oliver Sacks and included concerts by Bob Geldof and Macy Gray.

To find out more about ECDL, computer or skills training courses go to: www.vantageuk.com

A WORCESTER business has won an award for its work with the arts.

Vantage Computer Solutions, of St John's, received a commendation at the ninth annual Arts and Business Awards, at St David's Hall, Cardiff, last month.

The company won the award in the New Partnership category as a result of its link-up with the annual Hay Festival.

The Arts and Business Cymru draws business and art organisations together to their mutual benefit.

The judges were particularly impressed by the way the partnership between Vantage and the Hay Festival had benefited the town of Hay-on-Wye as well as assisting the literary festival.

The partnership included computer training courses donated by Vantage Computer Solutions and held in Hay-on-Wye, earning revenue for the festival.

"This is a very prestigious event for us and something that will help the festival," said Victor Chambers, director in charge of training at Vantage.

"Both Vantage and the Hay Festival will be developing the partnership over the next few years and plan to offer European Computer Driving Licences (ECDL) to residents, employers and employees in Hay-on-Wye and the surrounding areas.

"This programme will involve a two-year series of training and testing for anyone who wishes to have proof of achieving a recognised standard in using computers.

"We are looking towards a long-term commitment to the Hay Festival and to the town of Hay-on-Wye, and I can't think of a more rewarding way of achieving this."

This year's event, which finished last week, included writers such as Maya Angelou, Fay Weldon and Oliver Sacks and included concerts by Bob Geldof and Macy Gray.

To find out more about ECDL, computer or skills training courses go to: www.vantageuk.com