A FAMILY-RUN company founded in suburbia is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Dickinson Media Limited began in July 2007 with just a handful of clients and a designer.

Set up by managing director Denise Dickinson, the advertising agency’s clients include Winn Solicitors, Blue Line Taxis, solicitor Atha and Co and Sedgefield-based meat firm George Bolam Foods.

It now employs Ms Dickinson’s sons Adam and Michael, has an in-house designer and an office at Darlington’s Lingfield Point.

Ms Dickinson has been in the sales arena since 1979, working at The Northern Echo and former regional radio station Century FM.

However, following a spell at a Teesside advertising agency a little over ten years ago, she decided to go it alone after being encouraged by family and friends to take the plunge.

She said: “Wherever I worked, I always strived to be, and more often than not, was the top sales executive.

“However, I always felt I could do more and that’s why I made the decision to start Dickinson Media.

“I was determined to make this a success and we will never rest on our laurels.”