Happy staff at High Town Praetorian and Churches Housing Association is celebrating after it appeared in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 list.

It is the first year that the firm has applied to be considered for the award.

Nearly 1,000 companies entered the competition this year, and the Luton association was thrilled to be placed 74th in the list.

The Best Companies award is based on the views of employees who respond to anonymous questionnaires on many aspects of the working environment, including their overall view of the company and its leadership, the opportunities for personal growth, their terms of employment and the company's concern for staff wellbeing.

David Bogle, High Town Praetorian and Churches Housing Association's chief executive, said: "We want to thank our employees for responding so positively to this survey.

"We are able to describe ourselves as a leading provider of affordable housing and support services in Herts, Beds and Bucks because of the commitment and enthusiasm of our staff. Thanks to them, we can provide high standards of service to our residents and service users."

High Town Praetorian and Churches is a charitable housing association providing a wide range of affordable housing and support services.

It employs more than 500 staff providing services to 6,000 people in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

If you are interested in joining the fold, visit the careers pages on the company's website at www.hpcha.org.uk