CIVIL engineering and building firm RH Irving Construction is in the running for a prestigious industry award.

The Longtown business has been shortlisted for 'SME of the Year' at the the 2016 North West Regional Construction Awards.

It is up against construction firms from Merseyside and Manchester. The winner, to be announced at a ceremony in Liverpool on June 30, will  go forward to the national final in London in the autumn.

Founded in 1975, R H Irving has evolved from a one-man operation working on a runway at Manchester Airport into a company with a 75-strong workforce and a  turnover of £13.4m in 2015.

It works in conjunction with developers such as Story Homes, Persimmon, and the Lovell Partnership, and has diversified into its own construction projects including Houghton Hall Garden Centre near Carlisle

Managing director Hylton Irving said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award, especially considering the high calibre of the field from across the north west.

"It’s recognition of the quality of the people who work here and all the hard work and expertise they put into the business.”

Professor Peter McDermott, chairman of the judging panel, added: "The judges are looking for the people and firms who demonstrate collaboration and innovation."