Keighley social housing landlord Incom-munities has won a coveted national award for its work encouraging more women into construction careers.

Group directors Delroy Beverley and Susan Laycock received the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Diversity Award from the Princess Royal during a ceremony in London’s Science Museum.

Incommunities works in schools and with training providers to tackle under-representation in the construction sector.

In recent years, five female apprentices have progressed to become fully-qualified trades professionals, and last year the group’s first female Muslim apprentice was named its joint Apprentice of the Year.

Incommunities group chief executive, Geraldine Howley, said: “It is fantastic to receive this accolade in recognition of the contribution by our female apprentices towards building a diverse, multi-skilled workforce.

“Apprentices are at the heart of our business, and I am proud of their contribution, as both learners and as ambassadors for the organisation.”

Delroy Beverley, who has responsibility for the group’s apprentice programme, said: “We have continued to pioneer and lead on initiatives designed to engage more with under-represented groups and individuals – male and female – to promote careers in construction.

“This award is testament to our inclusive approach to building a successful programme, and investing in and nurturing each apprentice.”