A CHANCE meeting between two strangers on a train 125 years ago spawned one of the most famous household cleaning devices in the UK.

Now the Ewbank carpet sweeper is being heralded as a national treasure as the company that makes it develops a new range of products.

The story behind Ewbank Products, based in Billington Road, Burnley, dates back to 1880 when Accrington businessman Richard Kenyon first brought an idea for floor sweepers over from America.

A friendly conversation between Kenyon, then a manufacturer of mangles, and an American he met on a train journey led to a visit to the American's factory, which made carpet sweepers.

Kenyon was so impressed with the product that he brought the idea back to Accrington and created what was to become one of the town's largest companies.

Throughout the 20th century his floor sweepers went on to sell in their millions and became a favourite throughout homes in Britain in the 50s and 60s.

In their early days, the all-wood carpet sweepers were a prized household possession. In 1910, they cost 10s 6d - 52p in today's money, but the equivalent of more than £30.

As well as its famous carpet sweepers Ewbank -- which took its name from the area of Accrington where the original works stool - is now known for its cordless vacuums, carpet shampooers, specialised window, tile and floor wipers and furniture polish.

The firm's current owners The Earlex group, another 100per cent British manufacturing company, is best known for its invention of the domestic wallpaper stripper.

Now Ewbank Products Ltd is celebrating 125 years in business by developing a new range of its famous floorsweepers.

With investment from Earlex Group, Ewbank Products has just added The Breeze -- described as a portable, cordless and easy-to-use cleaner -- to its portfolio.

It will be launched in an exclusive deal with shopping channel QVC later this year and is the first product in the company's new lifestyle range.

A further three new product launches are planned over the coming 12-months.

Managing director Colin Webber said: "It has been a very exciting year for Ewbank and Earlex and our new range is fantastic.

"Our ambition is a revival of the old days, because we believe our new products are an excellent complement to modern-day, high-powered vacuum cleaners."

Ewbank currently employs 20 people and its turnover is expected to be in excess of £3million this year.