HAPPY Jays, the group which has children's nurseries in Clifton Moor, York, Boroughbridge and Scarborough, has been awarded the prestigious Investors In People (IIP) standard for the third time in a row.

In 1999, Happy Jays became the first nursery operator in North Yorkshire to achieve IIP status.

In its 2005 IIP assessment, Happy Jays was praised for demonstrating a continued commitment to staff training and development at all three of its nurseries.

Happy Jays is owned by husband- and-wife team Tony and Jacqui Gernon who employ 54 staff and provide care for more than 200 children.

Jacqui said: "Our long-term commitment to staff development has been crucial to the success of Happy Jays."

Updated: 11:31 Thursday, August 25, 2005