A company has been recognised for helping its employees to live healthier lifestyles.

UK Asset Resolution, the holding company for Bradford & Bingley and Northern Rock (Asset Management) based at Crossflatts and Sunderland, received a Gold Healthy Heart Mark Employer Award from charity Heart Research UK.

To gain the award UKAR introduced a programme of health and lifestyle initiatives at both sites to help staff follow healthy diets, exercise and encourage others pursue healthier living.

Walking groups have also been established at both sites and UKAR has supported stress relief and relaxation sessions.

The gold award follows bronze and silver in 2012, gained for initiatives such as lifestyle checks for 400 staff, stop smoking programmes, exercise and pay and weigh classes.