A Norfolk firm which make protective coatings has been awarded a £10,000 grant for new equipment it says will help it win more contracts.

HJC Protective Coatings received the cash from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership's Small Grant Scheme.

It works in the engineering, marine and oil and gas sectors, making coatings to guard against corrosion, and recently installed a new blasting facility at its Watton facility

Alan Powell, business and quality manager, said the new unit would mean it could 'meet rising demand, increase productivity, and ensure high quality', adding: 'It will improve our business sustainability and credibility which we hope will attract new clients.'

The company was founded in 2012 and expects its four-strong team in Watton to grow this year as the business expands.

The grant scheme from the European Regional Development Fund provides grants of up to £25,000 to help businesses expand, become more profitable or introduce new goods or services.