STAFF from the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) are celebrating after being praised at the Thames Valley Business magazine’s 2017 awards.

AWE was crowned as the joint winners of the Community Legacy Award at the ceremony.

The award celebrates the efforts of businesses which have built legacies across the Thames Valley area.

As well as AWE having bases in Aldermaston and Burghfield, its staff commute from across the Thames Valley.

Judges were looking for companies which have created a sustainable legacy, providing a valuable resource for the community, which also engages with their workforce, and AWE was deemed to have ticked all the boxes.

Judges also praised the professionalism and enthusiasm staff at both AWE sites for their forward thinking.

Philippa Kent, AWE’s community engagement manager, said: “We’re absolutely delighted and this is a fantastic recognition for all the hard work and commitment put in, not just by our team, but everyone across AWE who does such a great job working with our local communities.

“As one of the largest science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) employers in the local area, we believe that it is part of our role to support our local schools in developing the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology specialists.”

She added: “AWE is involved in a wide variety of initiatives to promote STEM across the region, and we also work in partnership with other organisations, to inspire and encourage young people to consider STEM careers.”