A FLOORING company listing fiery chef Gordon Ramsay as a client has created new jobs as it plans to increase turnover.

The Wood Floor Company, in Darlington, has taken on eight workers and invested £35,000 on its showroom as it looks to hit £1m turnover.

The company now employs 16 workers and operates across the domestic, commercial and public sectors.

Its work on Mr Ramsay's South London home was supplemented by a project for journalist Janet Street-Porter as well as contracts on Durham Cathedral and Darlington's Dolphin Centre.

Directors Tom Cockerill and Sarah Fanning said it was poised for growth.

Mr Cockerill, who worked on Mr Ramsay's house, said: “Orders are starting to go through the roof and the number of people we're getting through the door has exceeded our expectations.

“Last year we turned over £400,000 and we're on course to do about £800,000, but the target is to hit the £1m mark by February 2015.”

“It is fantastic to work for such high-profile personalities, but our bread and butter comes from our doorstep in County Durham and Darlington.

“We're now gradually increasing awareness of our name to the whole of the North.”