The fifth generation of the family behind a Gloucester engineering firm has joined the business - having originally worked there during the school holidays.

James Poeton-Bridgens has joined surface treatment specialists Poeton Industries, formed by Arthur Thomas Poeton in 1898, as part of the company's group management training programme.

He follows George, William and Anthony Poeton as successive generations of the family playing an active role in the business.

Having cut his teeth working in the laboratory while at school, Mr Poeton-Bridgens graduated in chemical engineering from The University of Bath and has spent the last 10 years in senior sales roles within the technology industry, most recently at Oracle Corporation.

After joining Poeton, he will be spending time getting to know the business across all aspects of the business, including sales, productions and hands on training processing components across the range of treatments available.

Managing director Darren Burge said: "This scheme will give James a sound understanding of what it is that makes Poeton a supplier of choice and will help him develop a fundamental understanding of the broad scope of the services Poeton provide.

"Ultimately this will enable James to become an effective member of the board, helping to shape the future direction of the business."

The business, which employs 120 people in Gloucester and also has facilities in Cardiff and Polan, has evolved to become a leader in surface treatments with the development of solutions which help engineers and manufacturers push conventional materials to their limit.

Its services have been used in everything from high-profile aircraft to space probes.

Earlier this year, Poeton was named as a Punchline Business and Community Champion after working with customers in the production of medical ventilator and donating around 11,000 gloves to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Mr Burge said: "This announcement represents an exciting new chapter in the history of Poeton, especially during these unprecedented times of the Covid-19 pandemic and reinforces the family commitment to being a surface treatment supplier of choice."