A GAS safety expert for a housing group has won an award for her leadership skills.

Claire Sawyer, operations manager for the energy team of Oakleaf Commercial Services, a subsidiary of Kidderminster-based Community Housing Group, took the women’s leadership award at the Association of Gas Safety Managers Supplier Excellence Awards.

Held in the Midland Hotel, Manchester, the awards recognise the importance of collaboration and innovation in the industry. The leadership category recognises women in gas safety leadership roles across the industry and demonstrates how women bring a whole range of complimenting skills to the sector.

Miss Sawyer said: "I am really honoured to win this award. It is mostly men working in the gas industry and it is great, as a woman, to be recognised within the sector.”

Ian Hancock, managing director of Oakleaf Commercial Services, added: "We are very proud of Claire. She has achieved so much in such a short time in a service that is very important to the group and its customers. It is a very well deserved award and recognition of all her hard work.”

The award was introduced to inspire other women in the industry so they can also be recognised for their achievements.