MAKING a difference at work has paid off for workers at a Bolton centre dealing with the disabled when they were honoured by the town's leading citizen for their dedication.

To coincide with the International Day for Disabled People yesterday Mayor of Bolton Cllr Kevan Helsby joined 55 employees and guests at the Remploy centre on Manchester Road.

Cllr Helsby was on hand to present a number of new awards created by Remploy entitled the Making a Difference at Work Awards.

The awards recognise the contributions of disabled people make at work.

Employees Trevor Wilson, Bill Hardman, Dean Bradshaw, Val Hughes, Tony Dearden and Val O'Rourke were honoured with certificates for improving their own and other people's lives at work.

Remploy personnel director Ray Fletcher said: "People can make a difference to themselves and others at work in so many different ways."

Cllr Helsby also launched Positive Employment: a practical guide to the Disability Discrimination Act. The booklet provides an up-to-date interpretation of the current legislation and offers clean but simple advice on how employers can their legal obligations.

Meanwhile the Jubilee Centre, Bolton, also recognised the International Day for Disabled People, when several organisations attended the centre on Darley Street, including representatives from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, who gave two displays, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon.