Forest Pennant has had a visit to its works in the Forest of Dean by Government Minister David Heath, the Liberal Democrat MP for Somerton & Frome and Minister for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Nick Horton, Managing Director of Forest Pennant, hosted a tour of the company’s Bixslade, Gloucestershire, stone works beside the idyllic tourist destination of Cannop Ponds.

The Minster was impressed to see the use being made by the company of the Ponds and the River Lyd to generate green hydropower for the stone processing plant in the factory.

Before they went, Nick presented David Heath and his team with signed, limited edition copies of the company’s United Stone Firms book, originally printed more than a century ago and reprinted last year to mark the company’s centenary.

Having looked round the factory, the Minister said: “Forest Pennant is a fantastic example of a thriving British business which is committed to sustainability. As an MP with several hydro-power installations in my constituency, I was particularly pleased to see water turbines being used to produce green energy. This is a great initiative.”

The visit was part of the Minister’s tour of the Forest of Dean to see the flourishing businesses in the region.

The ministerial party also enjoyed a lunch at the picturesque tourist spot, Symonds Yat Rock, while learning about the history and natural charm of the Forest.