THE ORGANISATION which maintains the Kennet and Avon Canal is one of the best employers in the country.

British Waterways was one of just two public sector companies to appear in the Sunday Times' Best Companies To Work For list.

The organisation, which employs 2,200 people and looks after 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across the country, was placed at number 77.

Mike Goodenough, waterways manager for the Kennet and Avon, said: "This is a fantastic achievement for British Waterways as a national organisation, but also reflects the dedication and enthusiasm of the water supervisors, patrol officers and bank staff who work at a local level."

A survey found that just over 90 per cent of British Waterways employees felt positive about their work, while 80 per cent were happy in their posts and a similar number would recommend the organisation to their friends as a good employer.

Robin Evans, the organisation's chief executive, said: "Our people register extremely high levels of job satisfaction and motivation."