AWARD winning Ribble Valley pudding firm Farmhouse Fare is expanding its factory by a third, in a move that could also create new jobs.

The building work will see the firm, based at Lincoln Way, Clitheroe, grow by 10,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet.

The new building will include a product development kitchen, offices and production facility.

This week it was also revealed Farmhouse Fare managing director Helen Colley has scooped a top award for inspiring women in business.

Mrs Colley said: "It's a fair size and it's nice to see some manufacturing growing. There has been a lot of talk about manufacturing declining but we are growing dramatically.

"I had no idea we would reach this point when I founded the firm. I just love doing what I do and because the products are great it's growing as well. I had no idea it would be like this. There are people with great passion here for making puddings."

The development will mean that the firm, which currently employs 65 people, will start to produce 20 new lines, and work is expected to be finished in August. Building work is costing an unspecified amount, but Mrs Colley revealed that so far £1.5million has been invested in Farmhouse Fare.

The company started as an outside catering company operating from the farm where Mrs Colley grew up, and branched out to specifically produce puddings just four years ago.

Now Farmhouse Fare is respected across the food retail world, and supplies to stores including Booths, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco. Last year turnover was £4million, which is expected to rise to £8m next year.

On Wednesday Mrs Colley won the business category of the Inspiring Women Award in Manchester, presented to her by politician Michael Portillo.

She said: "It means a great deal to me. I was put forward for it by the bank which was really good of them. I was just thrilled as it recognises something I have done myself.

"It's an achievement for what I have done with the company in the last three years."