A Bradford firm is urging visitors to Chelsea Flower Show to swap their traditional garden sheds for a high security alternative.

Bosses at office furniture firm Flexiform, based in Leeds Road, have launched a new division specialising in high-tech steel storage units for the garden.

Asgard Steel Storage offers a range of products which have been certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board and the Secured by Design police initiative.

And they are being displayed for the first time at the prestigious event in central London.

Today managing director Luke Borwick said Flexiform had spotted an opportunity to expand its traditional product range due to escalating burglaries on garden sheds and garages.

He said the new range - the only one of its kind to win the security certifications - was already proving a hit in garden centres around the country.

Mr Borwick said Flexiform decided to diversify following a difficult trading period for its traditional range.

"We've been supplying steel storage systems for more than 40 years and have drawn on our long history of engineering and manufacturing excellence when designing this new range," he said.

"But business has been very tough which is why we have decided to look at the launch of these other products. This is a very exciting time for the company. We've been getting some very good responses from people at the show."

He said there were plans to expand the Asgard range over the coming months and they would be exhibited at all the major shows including the BBC Gardener's World exhibition and at Blenheim Palace.

"We're very proud of this new range of products which were developed in response to the increase in property crime in the UK," he added.

"Gardeners can now have peace of mind that their possessions have real protection when stored outside."

The units are made from tough galvanised steel and incorporate a number of security features intended to dissuade burglars from attempting to break in.

Flexiform currently employs about 100 people and has an annual turnover of about £9 million.