Bradford engineering firm Renold is on the verge of completing a major contract providing parts for Britain's Challenger Two tank.

Renold Hydraulics and Variators, which employs 55 people at its works in Thornbury, has spent the last eight years providing parts for the tank which is made by Vickers.

The firm has produced thousands of high precision parts for the tank's engines and gearboxes.

Renold, the former Crofts business, also supplies parts for the energy industry, chemical plants, refineries, water and the food processing sector. The company has a sub-contract machining and fabrication manufacturing service which accounts for 30 per cent of output.

Renold's Bernie Tyas said: "We are proud to have been associated with such a front-rank assignment. Its success shows we have the equipment, the experience, the people - and we have capacity for sub-contract work."