Cancer Research UK has been recognised for its work experience programme at a national award ceremony.

The National Council for Work Experience named CRUK Best Charity Internship Provider at its 2013 awards ceremony in London this week.

CRUK won for its three-month scheme that takes around 150 interns annually. The judges praised the charity for providing "an exceptional amount of support and for incorporating exposure to commercial businesses".

Richard Middleton, head of volunteering at CRUK, said: “Our interns provide us with three unique business benefits: voluntary support from talented individuals, fresh perspectives that enable us to question the status quo, and further opportunities for cross-departmental working.

"We’re delighted to receive this award which is testament to the benefits our scheme offers both parties."

Teach First was highly commended in the Best Charitable Sector Placement category for its two-week work experience opportunity.

Other charity finalists were Blackpool Advocacy, Bryson Practice Learning Centre and Macmillan Cancer Support.