A NEWTON Aycliffe factory is celebrating the company's 100th birthday with events involving the community.

Events at the 3M factory will include tree planting to create an environmental park, sponsorship of community events and a series of volunteer days for employees to help local causes.

The company will also be sponsoring a science education theatre group to tour local schools, and organising a time capsule reflecting innovations of the 20th Century, to be designed by pupils at Heighington Primary School.

Site manager Dave Walls said: "Only three per cent of American companies enjoy the long-term success of celebrating their centenary.

"3M is very proud of its achievement and the part played in that by all our Aycliffe employees, and we want to share our celebrations with the community during the year."

The company employs 360 people at its Heighington Lane site, which makes respiratory protection products and environmental protection materials.

The plant is at the forefront of 3M innovation, being home to a European laboratory where research into the potential of new products is centred.

The site's employees have also been having their own celebrations. Future plans include a centenary party to be held in November.