A firm which tests metal components for the oil and gas industry has been given a £12,500 grant to help buy state-of-the-art equipment.

Great Yarmouth-based Asams will invest a further £42,000 to buy a milling machine which will help it diversify into the automotive and aerospace industries by allowing it to test more materials.

The company has spent £750,000 in recent years to refit its laboratory which tests materials for tensile strength, hardness, impact and corrosion.

The grant came from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership's small grant scheme and the firm was also supported with advice from the New Anglia Growth Hub.

Thomas Whiskin, director at Asams, said: 'There was a lot of personal support during the process and we look forward to working with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership on future expansion projects.'

The funding scheme offers grants between £1,000 and £25,000.