PST, Europe's leading supplier of chrome and brass chairs to the casino and gaming industry, has been dealt a lucrative deal to supply one of France's top venues.

Bosses at the company, based in River Drive, South Shields, sealed the deal after making contact during a three-day trade mission to France, organised by South Tyneside Council's economic development team.

Previously known as Plant Service Gateshead, the company was bought four years ago by managing director Stephen Treharne.

It has since gone on to success in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Holland and South America, expanding from 17 to 23 staff.

In the UK, PST supplies casino and leisure firms, including Stanley Casinos, which has a venue in Newcastle.

The trade mission led to a meeting with bosses from French casino giant Aspinals, who have already signed a deal to buy hundreds of chairs from PST, and the company is hoping more contracts will follow.

Mr Treharne said: "Our sales team operate an ongoing dynamic marketing drive targeting new export markets.

"Outside the UK, Germany is currently our largest market, accounting for a quarter of all our business.

"We are continuing to win lucrative orders overseas and I think this is because one of our main advantages is that we are one of the few furniture manufactures in Europe to have chrome and brass plating facilities on site."

He added: "This exciting business lead is thanks to the work of the council's economic development team. I would urge more companies to take advantage of future trade missions. We have already signed up for the next one to Germany."

Funded by the government's Single Regeneration Budget, the French trip was designed to help create opportunities for companies to break into new markets.