1. Job benefit claims are at 32-year low

THE Prime Minister led praise for the UK’s employment record after new figures showed the number of people claiming job-related benefits had fallen to a 32-year low.

2. Paddle your way to top

LOCAL businesses are being invited to take to the water for a unique rowing challenge being organised by Reading Rowing Club.

3. Thames hits leak target

Additional spending on overhauling London’s Victorian water mains system ensured Thames Water has met its annual target for leakages.

4. Train firm runner-up

SOUTH West Trains, which operates services through Reading station, has been named runner-up in the Best Rail Operator category at the 2007 Group Travel Awards.

5. Water voted best for customer satisfaction

TAP water in Reading and across Berkshire is the best in the country, according to an official report.

6. Firm answers when you call

STAFF at Reading-based office specialist Executive Communications Centres (ECC) are celebrating after answering 10 million telephone calls on behalf of their clients.

7. Ice Hockey: Smith jets in from Slough to join Bees

8. Timber firm goes green

A READING timber merchant has successfully showcased its new range of environmentally-friendly products at a national conference in London.

9. New minister tells of skills’ importance

NEWLY appointed minister of state for trade and investment Sir Digby Jones visited a Reading company days before getting his new job.

10. Kennet Island developer raises cancer charity cash

A READING-BASED construction firm raised more than £10,000 for Cancer Research UK at its first charity ball.