A 200-year-old family run Stockbridge firm has announced it has been accredited as conforming with important international regulations which safeguard the quality of construction products.

John W Laycock, which supplies steel and ironmongery, completed a successful assessment of its operations against the requirements for CE Marking of structural steel components.

This is a set of stringent European Council rules, required by companies selling this type of product.

Mark Sugden, one of the business's directors, said: "We're proud to confirm that we're now now fully CE certified for all our products and services.

"We take our legal obligations very seriously and invested considerable time and energy to ensure we gained certification. We're delighted to have reached another milestone in our history."

The certification was awarded following a two-day inspection of the company's work.

Mr Sugden added: "It's absolutely critical. We're a steel supplier and all steelwork going into the structure of buildings needs to be CE marked."

John W Laycock dates back to the early 18th century, when a Mr Heaton borrowed £10 to establish a nail shop in Keighley.

He later sold out to a Mr Wilkinson who then took on a John Laycock as an apprentice. The father of John Laycock, John William Laycock, bought the business from Mr Wilkinson and John W Laycock Ltd was established as a limited company in 1810.

The business recently consolidated its operations to one site at Stockbridge, having sold its old North Street premises.

A spokesman for the company said: "Our new facilities offer much improved access for customers and deliveries and have the capacity for future expansion.

"We're looking to build on the strong history and tradition of the business by opening up new markets, broadening the stock range and strengthening our commitment to high quality customer service."