A SOUTH Lakeland firm is planning to reward its workforce after achieving the coveted Investors in People national standard.

HRJ Shopfitters of Gatebeck, near Kendal, is treating its staff to a weekend away at a surprise location in Europe.

Husband and wife Howard and Karen Robinson formed the firm in the 1980s and will mark 20 years in business next year.

They employ nearly 20 staff and have worked with top high street names such as the Signet Group, which includes H. Samuel and Ernest Jones.

Director Mrs Robinson said: "We are all absolutely delighted about receiving this award I'm still a little bit shocked.

"It's been a big team effort getting this far and the trip to Europe will bea big thank you' to our staff for all that we have achieved together."

HRJ's workforce development adviser Suzanne Hilder, from Business Link for Cumbria, who encouraged them to aim for the standard said: "HRJ shows just how much business in Cumbria can achieve. They are small enough to care, yet large enough to cope.

"This award means a great deal to them and reflects the focus on quality that permeates throughout the company."

HRJ Shopfitters recently won a Built In Quality award from Manchester City Council for its work on the Signet shop in the city's Arndale Centre.