SEVEN local organisations have recently been awarded a nationally-recognised Quality Mark by the Guidance Accreditation Board.

The mark acknowledges the high standards to which colleges, careers services and community-based organisations work in providing impartial advice to adults, on learning, training and work.

The service is available free to all adults over 20 and is provided under the banner of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Information, Advice and Guidance Partnership.

"It is supported by an expanding network of information points in public libraries and other places, which hold material on learning, training and work opportunities," said a spokesman.

"In the past year, more than 2,400 people have accessed the service."

The organisations recognised include Evesham and Malvern Hills College, Herefordshire College of Technology, Hereford and Worcester Careers Service, Kidderminster College, North East Worcestershire College, REDI Centre and Worcester College of Technology.