A FAMILY business is celebrating after making it to the finals of the 2001 DIY industry awards.

Oswaldtwistle-based Gem Gardening, part of the Joseph Metcalf Group established in 1887, launched a new range of organic composts and fertilisers named Natural Earth Organics.

The products, which are made from recycled or natural materials were finalists in the Chemicals and Fertilisers category of the most prestigious awards in the home improvement industry.

Marketing manager Jane Molyneux said: "When we developed this new range we were confident that there was a need for affordable, easy to obtain organic composts and fertilisers.

"The response by gardeners has been overwhelming and Gem is very pleased to have its initiative recognised by the DIY Industry."