One of the UK's leading organic food shops has won another national award - this time for the quality of its staff training and development.

Phoenix Community Stores, the 'village shop' of the Findhorn Foundation Community, is already well-known for the quality of its produce, having been highly commended in the UK-wide Organic Food Awards earlier this year.

Now the shop, which is owned and managed by a community partnership, has achieved the Investors in People standard (IiP).

IiP recognises businesses and organisations which deliver high standards in training and developing their people to meet business goals.

Phoenix manager David Hoyle was presented with the distinctive IiP plaque by Wendy Galloway, head of skills development with Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE), which helped the shop staff to work towards the standard.

"Investors in People is all about helping employees to develop themselves and the organisation they work for," said Wendy.  "In turn, the employer benefits by having a well-motivated workforce who support the business objectives and willingly give that bit extra to achieve success.

"With this award, the Phoenix joins more than 1,000 businesses around the Highlands and Islands who recognise that their people are a vital resource who will bring a good return on investment.  On behalf of Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise, I am pleased to congratulate David Hoyle and his team on their achievement."

The Phoenix employs 20 people and principally serves the 300 international residents of the Findhorn Foundation Community and the 10,000 guests attracted to the eco-village each year from all over the world.  It is also well used by local people and offers a mail order service.

A founding member of the farmers markets in Inverness and Elgin, it operates as a wholesale supplier to other local shops and restaurants and its bakery has applied for organic certification.

The shop is committed to supporting local, fair trade and environmentally-conscious products and services, and its stocks include natural health products, books, crafts and music,