A SKYLIGHT manufacturer is aiming to expand sales by targeting the home improvement market.

Sola Skylights, in Shildon, County Durham, has won the European quality standard kite mark for its Sky Tunnel product, which allows natural light into homes and offices.

It has been on the market to builders for three years, but the major DIY retailers would not stock it without the kite mark.

Sola achieved the standard with help from Business Link County Durham. Managing director James O'Connor said: "The Sky Tunnel can be easily installed in under two hours so it is ideal for the DIY market.

"However, large retailers rightly insist on their suppliers having a commitment to quality."