A PAINTING and property service firm has won the General Motors Contractor of the Year award for its work at the Vauxhall Motors plant in Ellesmere Port.

The Roy Hankinson Group received the accolade for the second time in 10 years.

The award is given to a construction contractor who has demonstrated both a strong performance and attitude towards health and safety on site.

The Hankinson Group has a long history of working at the North Road plant and has maintained a good reputation since they won the award in 2002.

Last year the company completed two major contracts during the year – painting the press shop and cleaning and decorating the V6 building.

These high-risk operations involved working at height, restricted access and use of elevated work platforms.

Plant manager Tom Schmidt said: “When issues have arisen, Hankinsons have been positive in their commitment to find a suitable solution and have conducted their business in a professional manner.”

The group’s commitment to health and safety has also been rewarded with the 2008 Annual Safety Award from the British Safety Council, for the seventh consecutive year.

Chief executive Stephen Hankinson said: “I am always delighted when our efforts are recognised by the people that matter, our clients.

“It shows that we are flexible enough to meet their specific needs and I congratulate our site team for their first class efforts.”