DESIGN-and-build group Meldrum Construction is planning to double turnover and create jobs this year after winning business worth £5m in the past month alone.

The company, based in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, has seen turnover for 2006-7 rise by 25 per cent, from £4.5m the previous year to £5.9m. Meldrum is now planning to increase that figure to £9m by the end of the 2008 financial year.

Dave Meldrum, managing director of the firm, said: "It has been an outstanding 12 months and to be in this position so early in this financial year is very reassuring."