A MALVERN-based housing association has received a prestigious government accolade for its customer service.

Elgar Housing Association, which manages about 5,700 properties in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, recently achieved the standards required to be given the chartermark.

Head of housing Sue Heelas said: "Chartermark, which is a national award, endorses our commitment to providing top quality services to our customers.

"It has very stringent criteria and we will now be re-assessed annually.

"All our staff should be very proud of what they have achieved and of what they provide to our customers."