SOUTHAMPTON-based Custom Covers is celebrating a clutch of accolades for its work.

The company entered the national Textile Association Industry Awards for the first time and was rewarded with three Highly Commendeds.

It was recognised for its achievements in three categories, including innovation and product of the year.

A roof over a quarry to help climbers practise was honoured in the Product of the Year category - an innovative idea put together for Scottish mountaineers who wanted an all-weather climbing facility. Issues such as natural light and drainage had to be overcome and director Rob Sanders said various trials were carried out before the final design and materials could be selected.

"The finished roof has a very light feel and has met the designer's brief for as much natural light as possible on the climbing walls,'' he said. "The roof structure is now in place and the whole site is planned for opening in the middle of 2003.''

When it comes to innovation Custom Covers chose its design for a structure large enough for a helicopter for the competition.

The brief was to produce a structure not only large enough for a helicopter but it had to be quickly erected and dismantled and transportable by air, in standard-sized air freight packages. The cover had a further requirement that it should be possible to erect the structure adjacent to a disabled helicopter and be moved to cover it without moving the helicopter.

The firm was also commended in the category for firms with a turnover in excess of £1 million.

Managing director Simon Bell was delighted with the firm's success.

"Achieving three awards at the first attempt is a real feather in the cap of the team in Southampton. The competition was from a wide variety of manufacturers and users of textiles and this reinforces our desire to be at the forefront of developments".