STOURPORT-on-Severn contractor Thomas Vale is celebrating after winning one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

The firm beat off stiff competition to win the training title at this year's Contract Journal magazine awards, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London. The awards celebrate excellence in construction across the board, from best practice to training, rewarding innovation and excellence in British construction.

Judges remarked on Thomas Vale's award win saying it was "down to a demonstration of commitment to developing personnel through training and employee services.

"We were unanimous in placing Thomas Vale first."

A spokesman for the firm said: "This award means so much to Thomas Vale as it recognises our efforts to set new standards in training for our employees, supply chain partners, clients and for the industry in the Midlands.

"We have always taken our training obligations very seriously and this is illustrated in the £1m Centre Of Excellence training facility that opened this year. For a company of our size to have invested in a building of this value, in addition to the £400,000 we spend on routine training every year, it is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the development of personnel and the industry in the region."

Thomas Vale was also short-listed for the diversity award, commended for its belief in drawing upon all areas of expertise and experience available - regardless of gender, ethnicity or disability.

Particular mention was made of the company's successful Women's Skills Initiative, introduced in September 2004, which has resulted in three women securing permanent jobs.