THE David Spencer Partnership of York believes it is the first architectural practice in the city to earn Investor in People status.

David Spencer, who started the practice ten years ago, will receive the IIP plaque on behalf of his ten staff at his offices in St George's Place opposite the racecourse.

Presenting it will be John Yeomans, president of the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and one of the leaders of the new York Professionals Initiative.

Mr Spencer said: "I believe there is one IIP practice in Selby and another in Skipton, but we are the first in York."

His partnership designs Co-op shops, and over the past year has been responsible for the look of stores at Maltby, Southwell in Nottinghamshire and a village store in Wainfleet-All-Saints, Lincolnshire. It also designed the gabled Chilman Building at St Olave's School, York, and the £4 million revamp at Fairfield Manor Hotel, York. It is currently working with York-based Corus Railway Consultancy on a design for the Sunderland extension of the Newcastle Metro.