A BUILDING firm that has seen its turnover hit the £20m mark is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Newcastle-based Dorin Construction was founded by Ken Brown and David Kennerley in a small office in Newburn. Today, the group, which has its headquarters on Beaminster Way East, employs 60 direct staff and 120 skilled operatives and has grown to include Garnett Roofing, Mast Electrical Ltd and D&K Plant Hire.

The firm is celebrating its anniversary with a champagne reception at The Sage Gateshead tonight.

Dorin Construction recently completed its largest scheme yet - the £6.1m development of Bowes Business Park on the Lambton Estate, in County Durham.

In the past 12 months, it has worked on schemes such as the construction of 25 office units at Apex Business Village, in Cramlington (£2.5m), a new primary school at Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton (£3.8m), and a diabetes resource centre and oncology day centre at North Tyneside Hospital.

Managing director Ken Brown said: "Despite construction's reputation as a backward industry, there is no doubt in my mind that the industry has been at the forefront of a revolution during the last 25 years as building methods and technology has changed.

"I am sure I echo the thoughts of many in the industry when I say I believe there are easier ways to make a living, but after 25 years we must be doing something right. I think that the key to success - and survival - is to stay close to your business, your management teams, your staff and your clients."