NEVER mind the Oscars or the BAFTAS, the real recognition comes if you get a WAFTA. Unfortunately this ultimate award is only given to the staff at Webbs Garden Centres at Wychbold and Hagley, who gathered at the West Midland Safari Park venue near Bewdley for the annual presentation of Webbs Awards for Training and Achievements.

Certificates and prizes were presented to celebrate a wide range of training initiatives and individual and department successes including colleague of the year - voted for by staff - awarded to James Naden at Wychbold and Cathy Butler at West Hagley. Long service awards were given to Tom Murphy (more than 30 years) and Paul Young (more than 25 years).

Chairman Ed Webb said that 2013 was a record year for training at Webbs with 2014 starting in the same way. Twenty three employees are currently studying NVQs and 28 supervisors and managers are learning through the Webbs leadership academy.

He added: "This was a great awards evening and it was fantastic to see our staff get together and celebrate their achievements. I’m very proud of our staff and the WAFTAS is a wonderful way to say thank you for their dedication to Webbs.”