Leanne Stopp's on-going commitment to improve customer service has been rewarded.

The 25-year-old, who works in Tendring District Council's (TDC) Planning Department, has scooped the Council's Student of the Year Award for 2011.

Leanne's main task as Customer Service Assistant is to validate planning applications and she has worked on a number of high profile cases.

She has come into contact with experienced consultants and dealt with them with confidence and professionalism, receiving very positive and complimentary feedback.

Over the past year she undertook the Institute and Management's Level 3 Certificate in first line management. This intensive course included 13 modules and she passed with flying colours.

Previously she passed a prestigious Certificate in Town Planning Support, on a course laid on by Cambridge University over two years.

She was presented with her trophy in the Chairman's Parlour by Mitch Mitchell, Chairman of TDC's Human Resources Committee.

"Leanne's commitment to personal improvement has helped improve service delivery," he said.

"She has developed into a valued member of the Planning Department who fully deserves this accolade."

Leanne also collected a Certificate of Attainment as well as a Certificate of Merit at the ceremony today.

Certificates of Attainment were also presented to: Karen Adams, Raine Adams, Sarah Aiton, Jane Bareham, Jennifer Beales, Hazel Bond, Christine Chitty, Liz Chitty, Sharon Doolin, Dan Farrington, Christine Folbigg, Kirsten Foley, Glen Follon, Lauren Gifford, Nicola Haward, Debbie Hawkins, Chris Holmes, Tracey Humphrys, Vicky Key, Jackie Lawes, Jane Lawrie, Sheila May, Jan McGovern, Brian Nicholson, Rebecca Peters, Marcus Polston, James Prior, Tracey Reed, Elizabeth Ridout, Jeanette Ruffell, Andy Rutson-Edwards, Colette Scotney, Teresa Smith, Natalie Wainwright and Denise Woollard.

Certificates of Merit also went to: Jenny Haggis and Damian Williams.

9/12/11