The Markfield, Leicestershire-based business sent three employees from its bindery for Hand Binding NVQ Level 3 training at Leicester College.

As well as training in advanced binding, the employees also worked on repairing new and old books.

Owner Dawn Thornton said: "Having the staff trained to this level has enabled us to increase our business through being able to diversify and being qualified to take on an increased quantity of specialised work."

Laura Wade, business delivery manager for print at Leicester College, added: "This is the first year we have offered this course, so we were not too sure how popular the programme would be. 

"However, we were delighted that our first intake have completed this qualification with such great commitment and focus and decided to include practical days at Leicester College to allow learners to develop their skills at a higher level."