AN OFFICER with Keighley social housing group Incommunities has received a top national award.

Thomas Sutton has been presented with the 24housing Young Leaders Award, at the National Housing Federation annual conference in Birmingham.

He received the accolade from federation chief executive David Orr and the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark.

Mr Sutton, 26 – who manages Incommunities' Smarterbuys store – joined the group through its award-winning Graduate Employment Mentoring (GEM) programme, which helps graduates into housing careers.

He said: "I am thrilled to bits to win this award.

"It is thanks to my employer and the GEM programme that I am now developing a successful career that meets my values and aspirations."

Geraldine Howley, Incommunities group chief executive and president of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: "This prestigious prize is extremely well deserved and fitting recognition for the passion and leadership qualities Thomas shows in everything he does."