AN office supplies firm is throwing a tenth anniversary party to remember for its staff by paying for a Valentine's Day weekend to Dublin.

Integrated Office Systems (IOS) directors Rob Martin and Richard Henderson are rewarding their employees who they say were instrumental in the firm's success.

The Thornaby, Teesside, business has grown from a two-man operation to an 18-strong company with a turnover of £2m.

The staff and their partners will be treated to flights and two nights in four-star accommodation during the trip, which is costing the directors more than £6,000.

Mr Martin said: "We have good members of staff, some of whom have been here seven or eight years. The success of the business is down to them - without good staff you have not got a business."

IOS was set up in February 1994 at the Belasis Business Centre, in Billingham, to supply Xerox equipment.

Its success saw it move to premises in Yarm Lane, Stockton, in 1996, before further growth saw it move to its present location on the Teesside Industrial Estate two years ago.

Over time, the company has diversified to offer a wider range of office services for its customers, which stretch from the Shetlands to Exeter.

Mr Martin said: "The staff are over the moon. The fact that it is Valentine's weekend makes it a bit extra special."

The romantic gesture had something to do with the football calendar. The Valentine's weekend falls between two home fixtures for Middlesbrough FC which, Mr Martin said, could not be missed by some staff.