Sainsbury's food colleges and bakery college have gained accreditation from City & Guilds the largest-ever accreditation in the training provider's history.

The colleges, which opened last year, offer training to staff on meat, fish, deli, hot food counters, bakery and cafés. Training covers product knowledge, merchandising, preparation skills, sales and customer service.

"Sainsbury's is absolutely committed to giving all of our colleagues the opportunity to develop and learn new skills despite the challenging climate," said customer service and colleague director Gwyn Burr.