A MAJOR national award has come to Darwen for the export success of its biggest employer.

Borden Decorative Products beat off competition from companies around the country to win the 1997 NatWest Export Excellence award.

The firm had already been judged to be best in the North West before going through to triumph in the national finals.

The wallcoverings firm, whose brand names included Crown and Shand Kydd, has won a clutch of accolades in recent years for its success in selling products overseas.

"They are worthy winners who typify the best of British exporters and are an excellent role model which others can learn from," said Bob Murphy of NatWest.

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