A Chelsea Building Society trainer has become the first person in the UK to win a European diploma in the field of e-learning.

Gareth Harris was awarded the diploma by the European Institute for e-Learning (EIfEL) after successfully passing a year-long modular on-line course, which took him around five hours a week.

Jeff Farish, Chelsea’s Assistant General Manager (Training & Development) said: “Gareth’s achievement not only demonstrates the Chelsea’s commitment to employee training, but also gives Gareth the tools needed to take our existing e-learning programme to new heights."

Chief Executive Serge Ravet of EIfEL congratulated Gareth on his achievement.

"These skills are currently in very short supply across Europe and are increasingly regarded as critical to the future success of human resource development strategies within major organisations,” he added.