A TEAM of workers from Hampshire earned plaudits from the British Army after spraying more than 6,000 armoured vehicles in Kuwait.

The men first underwent compulsory nuclear and chemical warfare drills, mine awareness and first aid before embarking on the contract mission.

The Millbrook Industries work, in relation to the war on Iraq, had initially been earmarked for the German port of Emden.

But events overtook themselves and respray operations were relocated to Kuwait. Vehicles were painted from dark green camouflage to desert sand.

A colonel in the Army's 3rd Battalion wrote to family-run Millbrook Industries, based at Calmore Industrial Park at Totton, as a gesture of appreciation.

He told managing director Mark Croll how 'impressed' he and many others were with the speed in which the contract was carried out.

The letter added: "Many problems were encountered and solved by yourself and your team. This resulted in the spraying of over 6,000 armoured vehicles in Kuwait."

Millbrook Industries, which has a group turnover of £30 million, was formed in 1946 by Waltor Croll as a small upholstery firm based in Southampton.

A reputation for craftsmanship, quality of service and competitive pricing resulted in contracts being awarded, which included Union Castle, a prestigious shipping line.

The contract was to refurnish and carpet their entire fleet, and from this the success of the young company was formed.

The company now has seven depots around the country and employs 700 people in the UK and globally.