WHERE there's muck there's brass - and where there is pig tuck there's glass.

That is being proved by a North Yorkshire animal feed company which has just won Government backing to adapt one of its ingredient-production processes to the glass production industry.

Norfeed UK of Boroughbridge, which supplies animal feed ingredients to agricultural companies in the UK and overseas has won a £45,000 DTI 'Smart' award to study the feasibility of the idea for a year.

The firm, which received help and guidance to receive the award from Business Link North Yorkshire's technology adviser, Roger Benson, believes that the same process used to create vitamins, minerals and other additives in animal feeds, including feed for pigs, can be applied to the glass industry.

Benefits expected from the process include improved solids handling properties, a reduction in environmental contamination and improved health and safety standards.

The family-run company, which has a turnover of £1.75 million, exports up to 60 per cent of its products.

Its founder in 1988 was managing director Edward Middleton, who said: "Obviously, with the agriculture industry in difficulties in the UK we have been seeking ways of diversifying and this was one of them."

His son, Paul Middleton is commercial director. He said: "Our process has many different applications and the glass industry represents our first foray into other markets."

He said that huge thanks was due to Roger Benson for helping to secure the Smart award.

"He really led us by the hand through all the various stages of our application and it would have been difficult to secure it without him," said Mr Middleton.

Mr Benson has now helped 72 companies win £3 million in Smart awards in the last three and a half years.

He said: "I am delighted to have been of assistance to Norfeed UK and I look forward to helping the company with its future development."