A GROUP of Wee County employees were celebrating last week after their hard work was recognised on a national scale.

Stirling Alarms has been awarded gold status by the UK's leading approvals and certification body, the National Security Inspectorate.

The Fallin-based firm, which offers alarms, CCTV and access control systems across Forth Valley, also boasts a large contingent of employees from Clackmannanshire.

Despite trading for less than two years, the company has secured the highest accolade that can be achieved in the security industry and builds on the company's achievement of a silver medal in February 2016.

The business was launched in November 2015 by established local business Stirling Electrical Services, which celebrates its 21st birthday next month.

Owner Scott McLean said: "We've been in the electrical business for over 20 years now, but lately we've been making a big noise in the field of home and business security with the creation of Stirling Alarms.

"We created the division in response to a surge in customer demand for high tech alarms that can be controlled and maintained from anywhere in the world using a smartphone or computer.

"We've been quick to embrace this new technology and our highly skilled team are experts in the latest equipment and intelligent systems.

"We're proud to have passed NSI's rigorous audit and to have achieved gold so quickly. We have our staff to thank for their hard work, dedication and commitment to delivering the highest standards of service."

Team member Alan Fotheringham, from Alloa, added: "Achieving NSI Gold status is a real honour and is testament to the hard work of our team. Providing a high standard of service to our customers is our priority and it's great to have our efforts recognised."

Scott Farmer, leader of Stirling Council, presented Stirling Alarms with their gold medal last Friday.

He said: "It's fantastic to see such a long-standing business expanding and thriving. I'm really impressed by the work Scott and his team are doing, especially their investment in the next generation through apprenticeships."