A NORTH-EAST company, which has made more than 100m products for the global beauty industry, has been rewarded for its success.

Sone Products Ltd, in Stanley, County Durham, has become the first firm of its type in the region to gain a gold standard from skills organisation, Cogent.

The Government-funded Sector Skills Council scheme works with companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical and nuclear sectors, by improving workers' skills and training to increase their standing in the industry.

The firm, which employs about 130 people, makes the main body and lids for mascara eye make-up containers, before inserting brushes and branding for global companies.

Trevor Siddoway, Sone's commercial manager, said the award reflected its ongoing success.

He said: “This is great news, I was confident we were already ahead in terms of training and developing our people, but to receive such resounding backing at the first attempt is marvellous.

“As we continue to operate in a global market, this recognition reinforces the message that the industry’s best will be at your disposal.”