NETWORK security company Askaris has won a major contract with armoured vehicle builder Alvis.

Askaris was the first company to move to Aske Stables, on the Zetland Estate near Richmond, North Yorkshire, in 2000, after they were revamped for business.

It held a security seminar that year, which was attended by Alvis.

The contract is the fourth major defence client for Askaris and strengthens its reputation as one of the UK's leading network security companies.

Askaris will provide network security for Alvis's manufacturing plant in Telford, West Midlands.

Askaris has clients in the engineering, medical research and banking industries.

Sean Allison, managing director, said: "We are absolutely delighted that such a major defence company has chosen us to protect their computer networks.

"It marks a huge step forward for Askaris which has seen continuous success since moving to Aske Stables 18 months ago."

Phil Brown, ITSS manager at Alvis Vehicles, said: "The standard of all the network security companies we looked at was very high, but Askaris was the best choice.

"Askaris has excellent experience of managing network security for companies similar to ours and we look forward to working with them."

Lord Ronaldshay, of Zetland Estates, said: "This latest contract is great news for Askaris and I wish them every luck in their new venture with Alvis."