Bosses at Care Micro Systems, in Columbus Ravine, are celebrating achieving Gold Certified Partner status with the multi-billion dollar company.

Managers say the status is only granted to companies demonstrating the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft's vast range of products, and gaining the accolade makes Care Micro Systems a member of an elite group of IT support and consultancy businesses in the country, opening up access to Microsoft support, information and services.

Managing director Mike Shingler said he was "very proud" to be granted the accolade.

"Acquiring gold status is a tremendous achievement for a small company like ours. Normally gold is only awarded to the very big players in the IT sector so it is a feather in our cap for this accolade to come to a Scarborough firm."

Care Micro Systems employs 23 people providing computer network installation, upgrade and support services to business customers throughout the North-East of England, and by working closely with two other local companies can also install data cabling and telephone systems.

Mr Shingler added: "Achieving gold status is an accolade in itself but more importantly it is a tribute to the hard work of everyone in our team and a guarantee to existing and prospective customers of the high standard of competence and expertise they can expect from us. Achieving this gives us access to the very best resources and support Microsoft offers, which is a tremendous benefit we can pass on to customers."