DERWENT Pencils has joined a select group of manufacturers that can sell their products under the ‘Made in Britain’ marque.

Established in 2011, Made in Britain celebrates and promotes British industry to a national and international market.

The marque allows consumers to recognise when they are buying British and gives brands the opportunity to celebrate their heritage and craftsmanship.

Derwent Pencils and its predecessor companies have been making pencils in Cumbria for 180 years.

The business began in Keswick, following the discovery of graphite in the early during the sixteenth century, but moved to a 44,000sq ft purpose-built factory at Lillyhall, near Workington, in 2008.

Astri Saunders, marketing manager at Derwent, said: “We’re very pleased to become a member of Made in Britain.

“As recognition of the Derwent brand continues to grow internationally, we felt it was important to reinforce our long British heritage and commitment to British craftsmanship.”