Two workers at a printer ink company are kicking off the new year as award winners.

Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems in Broadstairs saw prizes go to its health and safety advisor Richard Heffernan and senior process technician Gary Ashby.

The pair, both based at the Pysons Road factory, were presented with accolades by ex-England rugby player Ben Kay at the Manufacturing Championship Awards.

Mr Heffernan took the top spot in the Safe Workplace Champion Award, for his dedication and passion towards health and safety at the factory.

Mr Ashby received the Unsung Hero Award for his dedication and commitment to making improvements to the potwash area at the factory, where large mixing vessels are cleaned.

Mr Heffernan said: “I was both surprised and delighted to be awarded the accolade of Safe Workplace Champion.

“Clichéd though it is, the recognition is for the whole manufacturing team with regards to their efforts to continually drive the cause of safety forward is great.”Mr Ashby added: “As my own biggest critic, I never thought for one minute I would win this award. I was in total shock when I heard my name called as winner.

“I was so pleased not just for myself but for the many people involved in making this project so successful.”

The awards were held at the Midland Hotel in Manchester last month.

Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems employs 320 people and is the second largest private employer in Thanet.