A FAMILY-OWNED timber importer has marked its diamond anniversary year with a huge cash investment.

Duffield Timber, of Melmerby near Ripon, has completed a £1m renovation of its sawmill and last year unveiled its Joinery and Woodworking Centre – the largest of its kind in the UK.

The latest work on its seven-acre site involves a complete showroom refurbishment, as well as a new cladding and decking centre.

The business was founded by Robert Duffield and began as a small wood yard on the bank of the River Ure in Ripon, selling fencing, posts and rails.

It now has its own mill facilities and serves both trade and the public.

The whole team and their families celebrated the landmark anniversary with a day at Ripon Racecourse and Howard Duffield, managing director, thanked the staff and loyal customers for helping the business grow.

He said: "Being a family-owned company only makes this milestone even more momentous – the race day was the perfect way to celebrate. Here’s to the next 60."