A GREEN energy company which celebrated its first birthday in the Ribble Valley is looking for 20 new engineers to fuel its expansion.

Stortec, a specialist contractor for the liquid and biogas industry, started in people’s homes last year with seven people.

In the summer it set up its head office on Clitheroe’s Link 59 Business Park and recently opened a second site in The Spinney in Grindleton.

It now employs around 30 staff in the Ribble Valley and another 30 setting up its trademark waste water tanks and biodomes to create green energy around the UK and the globe.

With a first year turnover of £6.3million and 50 projects completed, Stortec is now seeking to continue its expansion.

Company managing director Gary Little announced its recruitment plans at a first birthday party at its Clitheroe office.

The event was attended by Ribble Valley mayor Stella Brunskill, borough director of economic development and planning Nicola Hopkins and the council’s economic development boss Cllr Stuart Hirst.

Mr Little said: “Choosing a location for our new business was one of the more important decisions we had to make.

“It had to be a strong location for transport links,but most importantly, be a nice place for the staff to work, which Clitheroe certainly is. Due to our growth, it was apparent that we needed further space which Grindleton was able to offer.

“We’re always on the lookout for qualified staff to continue our journey and we’re currently looking to fill another 20 roles within the engineering sector, both within the office and on the tank construction side. We’re proud that our growing business will continue to contribute to the community and provide further jobs for today's and future generations to come and look forward to working with Ribble Valley to help address the current shortfall of staff within the engineering sector.’

Cllr Hirst said: “Stortec is certainly making its mark which is great news.

“The Ribble Valley is a vibrant borough punching above its weight and, thanks to the success of companies like Stortec, will continue to do so.”