A Gloucestershire company which specialises in damp treatment and flood prevention is marking its 40th anniversary.

Cheltenham-based Guardian Preservation was set up in 1977 by Chris Herbert and its services also include basement waterproofing and all types of timber treatment for domestic and commercial clients.

Today the business is run by Chris`s son, Tim, and employs 15 staff working on domestic and commercial projects.

Back in the 1970s Chris was working for one of the UK's biggest pest control and preservation companies but quit to set up his own company believing he could provide a better service.

He said: "I never thought in 1977 that Guardian would be what it is today. In the late 1970`s the UK was going through very dire times including the four day week, but I decided the time was right for me to start my own business.

"Today under the leadership of my son Tim the company is going from strength to strength. One key turning point for the company was 10 years ago after the great floods that impacted much of the UK and in particular Gloucestershire.

"This highlighted the need for professional flood remediation companies and Guardian was one of the key drivers in raising the standards.

Today, Guardian helps local domestic customers in all aspects of property care from general waterproofing through to large commercial projects.

Tim said: "As the business has grown so has our offering for domestic and commercial clients, we are just completing a major project in London for Portman Estates where we were commissioned to complete the waterproofing of a double basement within the £60 million project redeveloping the old Marylebone Police Station."