TONY Robinson, of television's Blackadder and Time Team fame, has presented the first Employer Training awards to the cream of the Wiltshire business community including a fast-growing company from Salisbury.

The ceremony, organised by the Learning and Skills Council, was held in Swindon and the awards were given in 13 categories.

Salisbury & District Value Cars won the Innovation in Training and Development award and was a finalist in two other categories.

It was runner-up in both the Technology and Investors in People awards.

Director David Lowe spoke after the ceremony of the "elation" he felt at what had been a "fantastic year".

"The calibre of entries was extremely high, so for us to come out on top in such a prestigious regional competition makes it even more special," he said.

Operations manager Mark Lowe said the award highlighted the excellence in training for which Value Cars strove very hard.

He said: "Our people are our greatest asset, so we do everything we can to help them realise their potential.

"We're very proud that our efforts have been recognised in this way."

Nominations were received from organisations of all sizes, from the private and public sectors, schools and voluntary organisations, who were recognised for good practice and their achievement in the training and development of staff.

Dr Penny Hackett, executive director of LSC Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "It is gratifying to acknowledge and reward the achievement of businesses who spend time and effort engaging in the training and development of staff.

"We wish to thank all of the entrants who have made a tremendous contribution to what we believe will become a highlight in the business and training calendar."

The Learning and Skills Council Wiltshire and Swindon is responsible for planning and funding all post-16 education and training in the county.

This includes further education, work-based learning, adult and community learning and sixth form funding. It supports lifelong learning across the county.