PAPER cups from a Clitheroe company will be used to toast the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at the country's top street party outside Number 10.

A new manufacturing unit at The Printed Cup Company was officially opened by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans who announced he will present 1,000 Union Jack Cups to David Cameron.

The company has been manufacturing paper cups from its factory in China since 2007 but has moved production back to Clitheroe after orders poured in.

It is expected that the move will help double the company's turnover to £2million and double the workforce to 10 staff with further jobs as more machinery arrives.

The new unit will enable the firm to send out print runs of 1,000 branded cups within one week if needed. Around 75 per cent of the cups will be exported.

Mark Woodward, who started selling and distributing paper cups from his home in 2005, said: "This is fantastic news for the company. Our work force is set to double which is great news for the Ribble Valley.

"Our growth shows that customers are looking for a fast, reliable service, delivering a quality product in small quantities and the UK is the right place to base this manufacturing plant to serve Europe."

He said the new manufacturing unit in Clitheroe would enable short lead times for customers and ensure control through each stage of the cup manufacturing process.

Mark said: "The opening of the facility also offers an encouraging sign for small British business as a whole at a time when few have been prepared to take risks in manufacturing."

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans said: "It is fantastic news that The Printed Cup Company has started manufacturing its own products within the UK and I will be presenting 1,000 cups with Union Jack prints to the Prime Minister for his Diamond Jubilee street party."