Customer care specialist Loop is in the running for a national award due to be handed out next month.

The Thornbury-based company, a subsidiary of Kelda, has been shortlisted for the 2001 Management Today/Unisys Service Excellence Awards along with Virgin, the Royal Bank of Scotland and Kraft Foods.

Loop specialises in customer relations for companies within the Kelda group and other firms.

Managing director Alastair Thomson said: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award which is renowned for recognising the very best in customer service.

"It's a great tribute to the 550 staff who work so hard to ensure that all our customers receive a high level service.

"We'll all be keeping our fingers crossed."