SALES of block paving have soared with the popularity of television show Groundforce.

Now Charlie Dimmock and Alan Titchmarsh are indirectly helping to create 20 jobs at a new factory near Cliffe.

Brett, the aggregates, waste management and construction firm founded by Robert Brett in Kent nearly 100 years ago, is investing £6m in the new plant at Salt Lane.

The first blocks are due to come off the production line in a few weeks' time.

Construction of the new plant - the largest of its type in Europe - started in October. It is the third factory on the site.

Brett, based in Canterbury with several sites across Kent and beyond, has moved into the DIY market in a big way following the success of the Dimmock and Titchmarsh show.

It has formed Brett Landscaping and Brett Paving to reflect the new interests, and snapped up Atlas Stone, a Gloucestershire company specialising in landscaping products.

Three years ago, Brett bought Greenham Construction Materials from Taylor Woodrow for £29m. With that purchase came Greenham Paving, already with a base at Cliffe.

Brett inherited two Greenham factories at Cliffe but demand outstripped supply and decided to build a third.

It will be fully up-to-date, using the latest packaging techniques to improve the image of block paving. It will boost output by up to 60 per cent.

The factory, built by sister company Brett Construction, is creating 20 jobs.

Marketing director Mike Woodcock admitted that the factory would mean more lorries on local roads. But they would be restricted to certain times.

"This is a good place to be," said Mr Woodcock, "From here, we can deliver block paving to 60 per cent of the UK population. It's an ideal place to be investing. We're very lucky to be based in this area because we've got everything on our doorstep."

David Marsh, operations director, said: "Our customers will benefit from improved packaging, faster deliveries, greater stockholding and a wider range of products."

* Brett has more than doubled in size in the past five years. It now employs 930 people, more than 700 of them in the county.