A NORTH-EAST construction firm has strengthened its order book with work on schools and colleges.

Gus Robinson Developments (GRD), in Hartlepool, secured deals to refurbish 14 buildings in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Yarm and Hartlepool.

It said the contracts were worth a combined £1.4m, ranging from boiler replacements to roofing and window replacements.

The firm added its most significant work came at Conyers School, in Yarm, where five science labs were refurbished.

Dan Robinson, GRD’s chairman and chief executive, said: “We are expanding our portfolio of work with public sector clients, be that community buildings, libraries or schools.

“It’s fantastic we were able to secure and complete so many school refurbishments.”

The company’s other work included roof replacements at West View School, in Hartlepool, and Holmwood School, in Middlesbrough, with new windows fitted at Hartlepool’s Throston School.

The firm also completed work on new accommodation halls for students at Cleveland College of Art and Design, in Hartlepool.