SHOPPERS at Tesco in York got behind the Government's Charter Mark scheme by making their nominations for the region's top public servants.

Staff from two of last year's Charter Mark winners - Benefits Agency North Yorkshire and Royal Mail North East - encouraged people to fill a trolley with their suggestions.

David Compston, of the Royal Mail's customer service team, said the Charter Mark recognised improvements such as a minicom/Teletext service for customers with hearing difficulties.

Simon Hitchins said the Benefits Agency had extended its opening times, improved disabled access and fitted a direct-dial system.They were joined at Tesco's Askham Bar store by team members from the Charter Mark unit.

An Office of Public Services spokesman said: "Nominating the service for a Charter Mark is the best way of showing your appreciation, it also boosts morale and encourages improvement."

Schools, colleges, medical services and local authorities have been among the 47 Charter Mark winners from this region since the scheme began in 1992.

Nominations for this year's award can be made by calling the hotline on 0645 400 444 (local rates).

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