CONSTRUCTION company M&M Plasline is looking good after winning contracts worth £1.25m in recent weeks.

Expertise in school work and the restoration and refurbishment of listed buildings has contributed to making the Bishop Auckland firm a major player in the construction and civil engineering sector.

Its reputation for construction work, specialist plasterwork and the manufacture of bespoke joinery has attracted organisations such as English Heritage, Groundworks, Durham University and local authorities across the region.

The latest contracts include a £330,000 refurbishment of malls at The Galleries shopping centre, in Washington, and the construction of a £400,000 art gallery at English Martyrs School in Hartlepool.

M&M Plasline has just completed a £1m deal to fit out stands at St James' Park for Newcastle United.

The company, which employs 150, has also been recognised as an Investor in People by Business Link County Durham, for its work with apprentices.

Managing director Michael O'Connell said: "Investor in People is more than just another plaque on the wall.

"We have seen considerable benefits already with improvements in communication, training, the definition of management responsibilities and business planning.

"IIP demonstrates a commitment to developing our workforce and shows customers and employees that our systems meet a national standard."