A SADDLER'S shop, which has been in Darwen for more than 150 years, has won an industry award.

Houghton J and Son, in Bolton Road, beat 100 other businesses to be named harness-makers of the year by the Worshipful Company of Saddlers (WCOS).

John Thomas collected the award from the WCOS' headquarters in the City of London.

John and relative Brian Galloway were taught to be saddlers by a second cousin, and are the fourth generation of their family to run the shop.

"We are extremely busy and are taking orders into next year," said John.

"This was the first time we have put anything forward for an award and we were delighted to win."