NEW lines of personal protective equipment are being launched in Norway by a Sheerness firm. Checkmate is extending its range of products available in a country the company has had close ties with for more than 20 years.

Sales director Mark Hesslegrave said: "Norwegians have exacting standards and we had to convince them that our new range was up to the job. Our equipment had to pass through a rigorous testing programme and I'm pleased to say our products performed extremely well."

Checkmate operates from a 9,000 square metre building in New Road. Its products include safety harnesses, slings and lifting devices.