CARLISLE-based Story Decorating is creating 20 jobs after securing new contracts worth £1.5m.

The company, based at Kingstown, has a record order book and its latest recruitment drive will take the workforce to more than 60.

Owner and managing director Robert Story said: "In recent weeks we have secured more than £1.5m of new contracts - including the new Dumfries and Galloway Hospital as well as the new Workington Academy."

The company has just won four awards at the trade's "industry Oscars".

It took the prizes at the Painting and Decorating Association Awards, held in London, beating competition from 50 other businesses.

The firm won plaudits for its work restoring Whitehaven's Market Hall, Audi Carlisle, Crown Packaging in Carlisle and Wilton's Music Hall in London.

The judges described the Whitehaven project as a "first-class decorating job" and "difficult to fault."

Mr Story added: "Customers are increasingly looking for quality and value and awards like these - judged by our peers - certainly add reassurance to their decision making. I’m also pleased that we’re creating more jobs locally and we’re actively recruiting now to further strengthen our workforce.

"To be recognised in four major categories is particularly pleasing as it reflects the wide range of skills and quality of work that our customers now demand."