Following gruelling tests, the British Safety Council gave its International Safety Award to the landscape products company.

Winners must have good safety policies, plans and a commitment to health and safety at the highest level and also be endeavouring to improve the safety culture within their organisation.

West Lane business manager Jonathan Wilson said: "Marshalls takes the welfare of staff seriously and this is not only a commendation for the company's attitude, but the actions of all the employees at West Lane and Marshalls who implement health and safety procedures every day."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown added his support to companies that received the award: "These awards recognise the crucial success that these organisations and their employees have achieved in their pursuit of excellence in the management of health, safety and environmental matters at an international level."