SOARING demand for the services of a County Durham environmental business will see it take on a dozen workers in the next few weeks.

OHS is expanding into larger premises at its offices in The Old Brewery, in Castle Eden, to help it deliver a range of services to local businesses, including health and safety compliance and training, asbestos management, risk assessments and water hygiene.

The rapidly-expanding company was set up 29 years ago by ardent Leeds United supporter Martin Penny, and the OHS name is now on the back of the Championship club’s shirts.

Steve Hubery, OHS regional manager in the North-East and Scotland, said the Bradford-based firm was enjoying a sustained period of success, and its growing presence in this region had been driven by a strong private sector customer base and the continued financial backing of Mr Penny. He added: “We have been recruiting staff from the local community because I think that customers trust the advice of someone who comes from their region.

Wherever possible we will continue to do that.”