BAYDALE Architectural Systems is to boost its workforce by at least 20 after winning a £2.5m contract to install made-to-measure windows for the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh.

The contract is the biggest single order in the history of the Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, firm, which employs about 65 staff.

An extra 10,000 sq ft of factory space has been added to Baydale's premises in order to accommodate the extra work.

Baydale managing director, Jon Smith, said: "It's a great opportunity to be involved in such a prestigious project.

"The Scottish Parliament contract is excellent news for the company and the workforce at Newton Aycliffe. It will put us on the map."

The contract involved Baydale manufacturing 128 blast-proof windows for the building.

The windows incorporate a steel-framed structure which projects from the building reflecting the Scottish national emblem of the thistle.

The contract follows other work in Scotland and Ireland, for the National Museum and National Gallery respectively.