The first British Woodworking Federation (BWF) Fire Door Centres in Northern Ireland have been opened by the Brooks Group in Belfast and Cookstown.

BWF member Brooks, which is nearly 200 years old, plans to open a third approved Fire Door Centre at its Downpatrick outlet towards the end of 2004.

Maurice Brooks, a sixth generation member of the Brooks family, said: “We are delighted to be pioneering the BWF’s approved Fire Door Centre scheme in Northern Ireland and believe it will be of major significance for safety in the industry here, as well as an important extension to the service we offer our customers.”

Brooks’ staff will undergo training every two years to ensure their knowledge of fire doors is up-to-date.

&#8220We’re delighted to be pioneering the BWF’s approved Fire Door Centre scheme in Northern Ireland.It will be of major significance for safety in the industry here ”

Maurice Brooks, Brooks Group

Meanwhile, 130-year-old Park Farm Joinery is the latest to join the BWF’s Certifire Fire Door and Doorset Scheme. It is accredited to supply fire doorsets and to cut and glaze apertures.

The Folkestone-based company, part of the £12m-plus Jenner Contractors construction group, employs nine craftsmen and also specialises in bespoke staircases and double-hung sash windows.