A FAMILY-RUN building maintenance firm has been awarded one of its most high-profile contracts.

Stone Technical Services (STS), in Darlington, has secured a £250,000 deal with London’s Royal Parks to restore the Serpentine Bridge, in Hyde Park.

The company will carry out a full renovation, including repairs to masonry, balustrades and balusters.

The Serpentine Bridge, dating back to 1820, marks the boundary between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, with the recreational lake previously hosting sporting events during the 2012 London Olympics and swimming competitions.

Dave Stone, STS managing director, said: “We have beaten off some very high profile, national competition to secure this magnificent project.

“It is strengthening our reputation in London, where we are growing rapidly, and leading to job creation in the North-East.”

The firm previously completed projects at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Courts of Justice, and has carried out bridge work across the UK.