BRICKS and mortar made way for colourful fibreglass in new-style accommodation units showcased in Stourport.

The innovative Dutch Spaceboxes, which each comprise a bathroom, kitchen and separate sleeping/living area, are made of fibreglass and literally stacked on top of one another.

They have already proved popular in Holland, where they are used by Utrecht University and piled three storeys high.

Thomas Vale Construction put some of the units on show at its Worcester Road head office premises in Stourport, giving delegates to its Emerging Innovations event the opportunity to step inside and take a look.

The event focused on construction innovations from both the UK and abroad and brought together more than 40 of the company's clients, including local authorities, universities and police forces.

Thomas Vale demonstrated the potential of the innovations displayed for the UK's construction industry.

Dr Richard Cooper, a manager with Thomas Vale, was among speakers, together with a representative of Holland Composites, the Dutch designers and manufacturers of the Spaceboxes.

Thomas Vale believed the semi-permanent Spaceboxes could offer a solution to Government targets challenging the construction industry to increase its uptake of modern building methods.

l Employees of Thomas Vale raised £1,500 for Worcestershire-based charities with a raffle held during the firm's annual dinner dance.

Charities benefiting were Acorns Children's Hospice, Sunfield Children's Home, the NSPCC and Cancer Research UK.

Thomas Vale's managing director, Tony Hyde, said: "Fund raising is something we feel very strongly about and we are proud to have raised such a large sum and be able to contribute to a wealth of good causes in the area."