A REDCAR firm that makes free social distancing signs for local businesses and charities has been praised by the Conservative party chairman.

Amanda Milling visited First Choice Labels as part of her two-day tour to meet the region's Conservative MPs.

She met MP Redcar MP Jacob Young at the firm and heard about their work during the coronavirus pandemic.

As a critical supplier, the team at First Choice have worked tirelessly producing social distancing stickers to give away free to local independent businesses and charities.

The 18-year-old company has supplied the NHS and the Ministry of Justice. The Kirkleatham-based firm has even made stickers for Disney, Bill Oddie and Prince Charles.

Speaking after her visit, Ms Milling said: "It was great to join Jacob Young MP at First Choice Labels to hear about the social distancing labels they have been making and distributing to local charities and businesses.

"The work they've done has helped Redcar to spread the message about safety guidelines as we come out of lockdown."

Mr Young said: "It has been a pleasure to visit First Choice Labels with the Conservative Party Chairman today and hear about their fantastic work supporting the community and expanding their services.

"Alongside First Choice, we have distributed hundreds of free floor stickers to charities and local businesses to help them reopen in a safe and secure way.

"The party chairman’s visit to Redcar shows we are on the government’s priority list to lead our national recovery, and I’m looking forward to welcoming more cabinet ministers here in the coming months."

Nigel Willis, managing director of First Choice Labels, added: "We were delighted to welcome Amanda Milling to our factory today to show her what we've been doing to help local businesses.

"It has been great to have the backing and support of Jacob who has helped us distribute the labels to local firms some of which will be struggling and might not be able to afford the extra expense of social distancing signs.

"I hope this will help our local businesses, charities and other organisations to have confidence in reopening safely."

The floor stickers are free to any business in Redcar and Cleveland or in South Middlesbrough, email jacob2019casework@gmail.com