Kettering Borough Council housing worker Anne Coulson was awarded the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) East Midlands Prize for her high achievement in housing studies.

Anne gained the highest marks of all students completing the BSc in Housing Studies at De Montfort University in Leicester this year and was presented with a certificate and a cheque for £125. Studying part time over four years, Anne maintained a high standard of work throughout the course and is commended particularly for high grades in her final year.

Anne currently works for Kettering Borough Council where she has been employed for 19 years, for the last four as a Neighbourhood Manager.

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Anne, who was awarded the prize on her graduation, said: "I'm thrilled to have won this award, but it's really just the icing on the cake. My studies at De Montfort have been thoroughly enjoyable, yet challenging, and have enabled me to develop a wide range of skills, broaden my knowledge and build on my confidence. I believe that this has enabled me to be more proactive in my role as a Neighbourhood Manager and has given me the tools I need to further my career."

Nigel Richards, Kettering BC Neighbourhood Services Manager, said: "Kettering Borough Council is committed to providing an excellent housing service and has a very proactive attitude to staff training.

"Many members of staff have enjoyed completing the BSc course at De Montfort and have gone on to successful housing careers here and elsewhere. However, we are particularly proud of Anne for her achievement as we are very conscious of how she has balanced a busy work load and family responsibilities with the depth of study and research necessary to win this prize - well done Anne."

(CD/JM)