A FAMILY-RUN restoration and maintenance firm has completed a series of refurbishments on war memorials in this special Remembrance year.

Darlington-based Stone Technical Services' (STS) conservation team completed a full specialist clean and masonry repairs to the structure at Gateshead Cenotaph and also restored the illustrated bronzes.

At Selby Abbey in North Yorkshire, STS’s general maintenance access team assisted in the erection of the poppy display containing over 60,000 poppies, which took two years to produce.

STS, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, also worked at Amble War Memorial providing masonry works, including casting a new roof slab and installing a specialist roofing membrane as well as maintenance to the clock.

And in Loughborough, STS Restoration carried out a specialist clean of the stonework, masonry repairs and refurbished windows at Carillon Tower, which dates back to 1923 and honours the men who fought in the First World War.

The tower itself is 150ft high.

Dave Stone said: “It was a real privilege to work on these war memorials.

"Its project such as this that we excel in as sensitive restoration and preservation are vital.

"Thanks to our traditional techniques, the projects are completed efficiently and with very little disruption.

"It’s so important memorials such as these are preserved for generations to come.”

Darlington brothers, Dave and Grahame Stone, established Stone Technical Services in 1998 and now have offices in Edinburgh city centre, near Stockport in Cheshire and in central London as well as their HQ on Kellaw Road in Darlington.

The company has also recently completed projects with Handpicked Hotels, Nostell Priory, Jarrow Town Hall, Sunderland Empire, County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Hall.

Earlier this year, the firm created six apprenticeships to assist with its growth and provide opportunities for young people in the restoration sector.

All six are also attending college studying for a range of qualifications, supported by STS.

For more information, visit www.stonetechnicalgroup.co.uk.