POWER Plastics at Thirsk is celebrating after winning two top industry awards from the Made-Up Textiles Association.

The awards, set up to recognise innovation and excellence in the UK industrial and technical textiles industry, were presented in Blackpool last week.

Power Plastics was first voted winner of the manufacturer's section, before beating all other section winners to land the MUTA overall industry award 2001.

The company was founded in 1969 and moved to Thirsk in 1989, where it manufactures a wide variety of products from plastic materials.

The design and manufacture of a series of barriers to protect and contain fish stocks in a nature conservancy area of the Norfolk broads particularly impressed the judging panel.

Other areas where the firm has proven expertise are swimming pool covers; equipment for protecting historical artefacts, and disinfectant mats, which are in huge demand owing to the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Managing director, Mr David Price, said: "I am immensely proud that our company has received not one but two awards which are a recognition of all the skill and hard work shown by our people here in Thirsk."

The awards were unveiled to staff yesterday at a special celebration where the additional prize of a case of champagne was also enjoyed.