RESTORATION projects and the continued housing boom made it a record year for Britain's largest hand-made brick manufacturer.

The York Handmade Brick Company, in Alne, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, saw turnover for last year exceed £2m for the first time in its 16-year history.

Sales were up 18 per cent on 2003, as the workforce of 28 produced 100,000 bricks a week at the Forest Lane site.

David Armitage, managing director, said: "These results are a direct reflection of the company's success in the niche markets in which we specialise.

"We have undoubtedly been boosted by a benign set of economic circumstances for the housing market, low interest rates and a continuing high level of activity in the self-build market.

"This increasingly popular market for homeowners reflects enthusiasm for this type of building."

The company is planning a new building for the production of special-purpose clay units, aimed at the conservation and brickwork feature market.

It is supplying several contracts in Germany.

"There are a lot of medieval buildings around Berlin that were neglected for 50 years by the previous Communist regime," said Mr Armitage.

"We work across the UK, but this means we are now established over there as well."

Last year, York supplied 20,000 bricks for the £300,000 restoration of Myton Bridge, at Myton-on-Swale, near Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire. The refurbishment of the Victorian structure won a national award from the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Its work on the walled garden and restaurant at Scampston Hall, near Malton, North Yorkshire, won best refurbishment project at last year's Brick Awards, held in December.

"It has given us real credibility and pedigree in the prestige building field, whether it be new build or conservation," said Mr Armitage.

The kilns at Alne have been operating for more than 70 years. Mr Armitage, 65, bought the business in 1988.

It also produces terracotta floor tiles, landscape paving and fireplaces.