Civil engineers RH Irving Construction have added two highly-experienced recruits to their growing team.

Quantity surveyor Ian Stalker and estimator Craig Kingsley are the latest in a string of senior appointments at the Longtown-based firm.

Ian, 55, started his career with Donley’s in his native Carlisle and spent 24 years with Kier Construction, including an eight-year spell working in East Anglia.

In recent years the father-of-two has been involved in major construction projects in Cumbria, including the development of the Richard Rose Academy in Morton, Westlakes Business Park near Whitehaven, and at Sellafield.

He said: “Everybody involved in the Cumbrian construction industry knows that RH Irving Construction has a superb reputation both as an operator and a family-run firm, and I am delighted to be joining the team at an exciting time.”

Dumfries-born Craig, 44, trained initially with local civils firm Robison & Davidson and has spent 17 years as a senior estimator with Ashleigh Construction north of the border.

He said: “RH Irving Construction has its sights set very much on the future in terms of what it can achieve within the industry, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in its ongoing success.”

The new appointments follow the recent arrival of Ian Wishart as business development manager. Ian has previously worked with the likes of Border Homes, Esh, Cubby Construction and Prospus.

Meanwhile quantity surveyor Fred Chambers and site manager Bryan Plunkett have also joined the firm.

Commercial director Mark Moodycliffe said: “Ian and Craig are proven operators in their respected fields and we are delighted to welcome them to the team.

“They and all our other new appointments bring a wealth of invaluable experience to RH Irving Construction, which will stand us in good stead as we look to the challenges ahead.”