SOMETIMES keeping your distance can make you a lot wiser.

That was proved by 46 staff members from York & County Press, publishers of the Evening Press, when all of them passed "distance learning" courses from Selby College.

Over three months they used computers to tap into courses including marketing, finance, business planning, business management and supervisory development, but also had direct access to tutor support.

Yesterday Liz Page, managing director of York & County Press, presented them with their nationally-recognised Aset certificates from Selby College.

Congratulating them, she pointed out that last month York & County Press was re-accredited as an Investor In People.

"We were really praised as a company for our commitment to training, and you were praised for your part. You have had tutor support in work time, but the fact that you also put in your own time and energy is a credit to all of you."

Helen Hora, company training manager, said: "This kind of training reflects the learning culture that has developed in the company over past years, a culture which has increased our people's knowledge, skills, interest and personal development."

Updated: 11:08 Wednesday, July 28, 2004