HAMPSHIRE-based construction group Warings has signed a valuable new deal with the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA).

The Portsmouth company has been appointed a partner of Dera to carry out its capital works estates redevelopment programme.

Working with the Countryside Commission on the bid, chief executive Len Salter said the firm was absolutely delighted that its track record with Dera had helped win the appointment. He added: "DERA is one of Europe's largest single research organisations, and it is an enormous privilege to have been selected as its long-term partner. Our dedicated team looks forward to working with Dera.''