A LEDBURY firm is hopeful of an increase in substantial orders after completing a £130,000 deal with Tesco to supply four massive fuel tanks.

The 12-metre long tanks are tough enough to stop a bullet. A unique concrete in-fill between two shells means they do not have to be buried below ground because of fire risk, unlike conventional fuel tanks. Maintenance and inspection is also easier.

Ledbury Welding, on the New Mills Industrial Estate, had just 16-weeks to build the 45,000 litre "SuperVault" tanks.

Sales director Kevin Powell said Ledbury Welding was the leading fuel storage tank manufacturer in the UK and had pioneered the concept.

"For a small company, it's ground-breaking stuff. It could be the start of something big. These are the first tanks of their kind in the UK to be installed above ground at a filling station."

The order by Tesco for its Ramsgate filling station followed two years of talks.

An aquifer - or underground well - at the site ruled out conventional, buried fuel tanks, due to the risk of pollution.

Mr Powell said there had been a lot of in-house development, such as developing the equipment to pump in the concrete in-fill.

"We have invested over £100,000 to get the concept right."

Ledbury Welding employs 42 people and several vacancies exist for welders because of the company's growing success.