One of the longest running family firms in Darwen has been named 'Depot of the Year' at a national awards.

Kenley Warehouse and Distribution picked up the prize Western Depot of the Year award at United Pallet Network ceremony in Nottingham.

The team also picked up the Platinum award for achieving more than 99 per cent in its KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) over the full year for the fifth time.

Managing director, Andrew Walker, said: “I am really proud of the whole team and all the effort they put in on a daily basis.

“It was wonderful to be recognised in this way.

“I have been here 40 years and during that time we have seen many changes.

“We certainly couldn’t do it without our dedicated and enthusiastic staff. I have also got to mention our loyal backbone of customers who work with us on a daily basis.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

The company began was established by Andrew's father-in-law, Michael Kenlock and wife Sheila, in 1965 and nearly 60 years later remains one of Darwen’s most successful companies.

Michael at that time owned a small unit at Cotton Hall, Darwen, known as Kenley Motors where he had repaired motor vehicles for more than eight years.

A nearby company asked Mick if he could store a couple of pallets in his unit for a few weeks.

Gradually the number of pallets grew and soon Mick had no room to repair motor vehicles and decided to take on another unit realising his future lay in the storage industry.

The company specialises in warehousing, handling, storing and distributing countless products.

It also has a modern fleet of vehicles ranging from small express vans up to 44 tonne articulated wagons.

It employs 50 staff in a range of roles.

Andrew added: “I know quite a few firms have bitten the dust over the years but it is great to see this company still going and competing with some of the best in the country.

“We were delighted to be at the ceremony and pick up the prize.”