CHESHIRE Probation Area was honoured at the North of England Business Excellence Awards at a glittering ceremony in Leeds, hot on the heels of the news that the probation area has succeeded in its application to become a trust from next year.

Bosses say the approval of the Ministry of Justice will enable them to concentrate resources of frontline services, making the area a safer place to live.

A spokesperson for the judges said : “Cheshire Probation Area has come a long way on its journey to excellence.”