SEAHAM-based Pride Valley foods marked its 10th anniversary with the opening of a 25,000 sq ft extension and two days of celebration during weekend.

The UK's leading manufacturer of authentic ethnic breads has built the major factory extension to provide additional space to meet the demands of its rapidly growing business.

Turnover at the factory over the past two years has risen by 65 per cent and this year growth continues to be just as strong. The factory produces a million pitta breads, naans, tortilla wraps and chapattis a day and the new extension will provide the additional warehousing and packaging departments for both increased production. There are plans for new lines such as low-fat products.

To celebrate ten successful years in business, despite huge setbacks such as the 1995 fire that destroyed the entire operation, the team hosted a huge party this past weekend.

The Middle Eastern-themed event brought nationally renowned dancers and artists to the region, but celebrities such as Rory Bremner were there also to offer his support to the North-East firm.

Managing director at Pride Valley Foods Andrew Cross said: "Pride Valley has come so far in the past ten years and our new extension is going to help us to continue this growth, therefore we thought it was only fitting to mark the occasion."

He added: "We operate in a very fast moving sector so we want to keep ahead of demand as well as look to the future. Only by investment and product development can we stay ahead of the game.

"Our two days of celebrations were designed to thank all our suppliers valued customers, local businesses and our staff, many of whom have been with us since the early days."