CERTAINLY in safe hands - that's two local companies which have each won a major award.

Scapa PMC, based at Stubbins Vale Mill in Ramsbottom, and Radcliffe's Trumeter have lifted coveted British Safety Council awards.

And it's the ninth successive award for Scapa, while Trumeter is celebrating after been presented with the same accolade two years in a row.

Representatives from both firms travelled down to a glittering banquet at a London hotel to receive their awards from British Safety Council director general Sir Neville Purvis. Only companies with below average accident rates are eligible. Up to 1,000 award winners from large and small companies all over the country in the public and private sectors faced a tough test to satisfy the awards panel.

Scapa is involved in the manufacture of paper machine clothing while Trumeter, based in Milltown Street, manufactures electronic and mechanical calculating equipment.

Scapa works convener Brian Hunter and research and development colleague Martin Ringer attended the banquet with their wives to collect the award.

Mr Hunter, who is also the company's safety committee joint chairman, said: "We all work together when it comes to safety."

Mrs Margaret Frain, Trumeter health and safety officer, who also travelled to London for the ceremony, said: "We're delighted to have won two years in a row.

"We've had to do quite a bit of work."

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