A FAMILY-OWNED business that diversified from delivering coal to collecting waste has seen its workforce triple in size.

J&B Fuels was set up by Alan Jackson in Hartlepool 35 years ago, initially delivering coal to power stations in Yorkshire and later to households in the region.

The decline in the use of coal could have marked the end for the solid fuel merchant in the late 1990s, but Mr Jackson's daughter, Vikki Jackson-Smith, diversified the business.

She established J&B Recycling Ltd, which now operates a licensed waste transfer station at its Baltic Street site, in Hartlepool. J&B Fuels stopped trading in March last year.

The success of the business has led to the creation of 40 further jobs, tripling its workforce to 60.

"The continued development of the recycling industry means that we need to constantly invest in training and development of our employees," said Ms Jackson-Smith.

"This ensures that all employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide an effective and competent service to our customers."

J&B Recycling has secured contracts with local authorities across the region to collect recyclable waste and manage civic amenity sites. It also collects glass from local pubs, clubs and restaurants.

The firm has received help from Business Link Tees Valley and undertaken workforce development programmes, funded by the Learning and Skills Council.