A “HIDDEN hero” of industry in Rossendale has received a top Government-backed award.

Brian Lees, 51, a felt specialist at the Rossendale’s manufacturing company Andrew Webron Ltd, received the gong this week as one of the fashion and textile sector stars.

Skillfast-UK presented Brian with the ‘Behind the Seams’ award in London who will now have his name appear in a skills roll of honour which will be presented by Skills Minister Lord Young.

HR manager Melanie Briggs, who nominated Brian, said: “Brian is part of the lifeblood of our company.

“It is his expertise that allows us to manufacture very high quality products and compete against competition across the globe.

“People with that level of technical experience are increasingly rare – they really are the industry's Behind the Seams heroes."

Brian is one of only 50 people across the UK who received the prestigious award.

He said: “I'm delighted. I've worked in the industry for 36 years, and it's the first time I've ever had anything like this, it's brilliant.”

Established in 1894 as a weaving company, Andrew Webron has since developed into a manufacturer of advanced technical textiles that are used in industry and in major construction projects.

The firm is now a leader in its field and exports world wide from the company HQ in Hareholme Mill, Bacup Road, Rawtenstall.

Linda Florance of Skillfast-UK added: “As well as showcasing today’s top talents, we are telling MPs that more must be done to train the next generation of skills heroes.

“We need to make sure that skills like Brian’s do not die out.”