A WORCESTERSHIRE flooring company has been named supplier of the year within its industry.

Karndean International, in Offenham, near Evesham, was named Supplier of the Year by the Independent Flooring Distributors Association (IFDA).

The company, which has grown from small beginnings 10 years ago to an employer of 60 people, designs and manufactures all kinds of vinyl flooring.

It specialises in wood, slate and marble effect floors that are more hard-wearing than the real thing.

Dan Lovell, marketing manager, said the company had grown to such an extent it was about to move to new premises, which would include a showroom.

"We are on schedule to move from our current base in Offenham to our new state-of-the-art offices on Vale Park, in Evesham," said Mr Lovell.

"The whole operation will be run from there and we will have a new, central showroom, which we've never had before."

The move is scheduled for January 2003.

As part of the company's award, it was allowed to donate £250 to a charity of its choice, and has chosen local bereavement charity Noah's Ark Trust.

The company has also gained two other major industry awards in the past year, being named Manufacturer of the Year 2001 by the Contract Flooring Association, and Vinyl Supplier of the Year by Retail Floors magazine.