NORTHERN  Security has won an extension to its contract with the University of Cumbria.

The Carlisle firm, which employs 120 staff, will continue to provide security services to the university for the next three years following a retendering process.

Those services include provision of security guards, alarm response and mobile patrol vehicles across six residential and educational sites in Carlisle, Ambleside and Lancaster.

A data transfer system, incorporating wireless technology, will be introduced to provide live reporting and enhance safety.

Managing director Paul Hopper, who founded the business in 1998, said: “We are pleased to extend our relationship with the University of Cumbria and this is a prime example as to the significance of the added-value services we deliver.

"Our security provision is industry leading but we also create efficiencies to help our clients reduce costs.

“It is also refreshing to work with an organisation focused on incorporating the Living Wage Foundation rate of £8.25 [an hour], allowing us to pass that benefit onto staff working at the University.”

Northern Security staff assisted when the area around the university's Fusehill Street campus in Carlisle was hit by flooding in December.

Stuart Davison, Northern Security head of operations, said: “The team did amazingly well during the floods, assisting in both Ambleside and Carlisle when the sports hall was used as a rescue centre.

"It’s great to see our teams working closely with our customers, they’ve really become part of the university team.”

Mark Atkinson, University of Cumbria building services manager, added: “Where possible we aim to engage local suppliers and Northern Security is a trusted and experienced company.

"They continue to offer a professional service and have worked closely with us to ensure their staff operate seamlessly across our range of sites and with our students.”