The innovative international successes of a Norfolk farm machinery manufacturer were praised by an MP during a factory tour.

North West Norfolk MP James Wild visited CTM at Harpley, between Fakenham and King's Lynn, where it has been making sugar beet cleaner loaders since 1950.

He discussed the challenges facing the sugar beet industry, which is a central lynchpin of farming in Norfolk and Suffolk, where three of British Sugar's four processing factories are based.

Director Nigel Mountain also explained CTM's partnership with German manufacturer ROPA, which has expanded the Norfolk engineering firm's reputation as a leading root crop systems specialist.

Mr Mountain said CTM now employs 28 people locally, offering apprenticeships and educational opportunities for employees through work trips to Germany to gain further experience at the ROPA headquarters.

Mr Wild said: "It was great to visit CTM Harpley to talk about the opportunities and challenges facing the manufacturing and sugar beet industry.

"Through a commitment of innovation and strong partnerships, CTM is successfully delivering high quality equipment and succeeding locally as well as exporting to America, Egypt and other international markets."

The MP's visit followed the Back British Farming Day initiative, highlighting the importance of supporting British farmers and encouraging consumers to buy home-grown produce.

The MP was told about the history of the family company founded by Charles Thomas Mountain, and given a tour of the on-site construction facilities, where components are laser-cut, sprayed and built into finished machines.

The site also handles services and repairs, with the MP shown a particular machine, first built in the 1990s, which is now set to return to work on a large arable farm after this year's service.