A CUMBRIAN firm has expanded its horizons by launching a new specialist training facility that is expected to be in big demand across the country.

Lyon Equipment Ltd has opened the new centre, which provides training for staff involved in working at heights, at Tebay.

The Dent firm, a leading distributor of caving, climb- ing and mountaineering equipment, believes the new facility will help to meet a growing need for training from workers ranging from theatre riggers and oil rig staff to overhead line engineers.

Specially designed steel structures and platforms, a restricted access tower and an 18-metres high telecom mast all feature at the centre.

The firm expects the facility to be in great demand, with inquiries already coming from fire services nationwide.

Lyon equipment has been providing training for so-called rope access workers for the past 12 years, and still has a training facility at its head office in Dent.

Managing director Ben Lyon said with a new EU directive dealing with working at heights due to come into force shortly, employers were required to train such staff.

He said the new training centre had facilities for a wide range of workers, from pylon and pole workers to fire and rescue personnel, and construction staff.

Lyon Equipment first gained a presence in Tebay when the firm opened its warehouse facilities in the village four years ago. Now it has moved a major part of its training operation to the same site. Although the new centre has not created any new jobs, the firm expects to recruit extra staff soon.

Explaining the reason behind locating in Tebay, Mr Lyon said: "Our business covers the whole of Great Britain and Ireland and a location on the motorway exactly halfway between London and Aberdeen is as good as it gets."

He added the two cities repre sented two important threads of the firm's training work - London for its tall buildings and Aberdeen as the base for North Sea oil rigs and platforms.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr Lyon said classrooms would soon be added to the training facilities already in place at Tebay.

Coun Malcolm Smith, joint leader of Eden District Council, who cut a ribbon to mark the opening, welcomed the firm's decision to expand in Tebay.

Lyon Equipment now employs 43 staff at two sites and has an annual turnover of more than £7 million.