A MULTI-award-winning company threatened with extinction after a fierce blaze five years ago is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Airedale Springs is staging a host of activities throughout the year to mark the milestone.

Chairman Tim Parkinson, whose grandfather started the business, admits that in 2010 the prospect of the firm reaching the landmark was bleak.

"When you are stood watching your premises and livelihoods go up in flames it is a horrible feeling," he said.

"Most firms don't survive that sort of thing, but we as a family were adamant that we would continue.

"The fact that we did get through it and are still here today is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff.

"I cannot speak highly enough of them. They have stayed loyal to us throughout."

Following the inferno – which destroyed the Ebor Mills, Haworth, factory the company had occupied for more than two decades – the workforce battled on without its own 'home' until new, £3.5 million premises in the village were ready for occupation in 2012.

"We're now behind Bridgehouse Mills which is where we used to be based before Ebor so in a sense we've 'come home'," said Mr Parkinson, who took over the chairmanship of Airedale Springs from his father, Michael, in 2000.

The 32-employee firm's actual anniversary is still several months away, but activities are already underway.

Earlier this month a group of Haworth Primary School pupils was given a tour of the premises, and there was a visit this week (Feb 23) from Keighley town mayor Graham Mitchell.

"We received fantastic letters from all the children thanking us for showing them round," said Mr Parkinson.

"The pupils are our potential employees of the future and some have relatives working for us today.

"It was also a chance for the children to see what goes on inside the building and to learn that we are still making something in this country!"

Other visitors scheduled to tour the factory, next month, include the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Michael Gibbons and new Bishop of Bradford the Right Rev Toby Howarth.

Last year, Airedale Springs scooped three awards – including the top accolade – at the Keighley Business Awards.

It has also received honours in schemes including the coveted Yorkshire/North East Regional Manufacturing Excellence (MX) Awards and is involved in the pioneering Industrial Centre of Excellence, which aims to produce the next generation of British engineers.