AN HISTORIC Cumbrian business will appear on an ITV programme tonight.

Pencil manufacturers Derwent are to feature on the first episode of the second series of ITV4’s Made in Britain.

During one-and-a-half days of filming, crews follow through the full manufacturing process of how the graphite pencils are made at the firm’s Workington site on Lillyhall Business Park.

Narrated by Ricky Tomlinson, the documentary series looks at how things are made. From common household items to large scale machinery.

Brand manager for Derwent, Nuala Henry, said: “We have a very proud history of manufacturing in the Lake District since 1832.

“We are very much a Cumbrian brand.

“An experienced British brand with huge quality and craftsmanship.

“We are very pleased to be taking part.”

Film crews were present on site for less than two days.

“I was on site for two days and it was pretty much a day and a half of filming.

“It takes you through the process of manufacturing our graphite pencil range.

“It takes you through every stage, from raw material, to mixing and then blending the pencil itself.

“There are quite a few processes that it goes into.”

She added: “The process is hard to fathom, unless you have seen it.”

Nuala believes their appearance on the show is testament to the brand.

“We are focussed on innovation in our product range and our use of research. You won’t find anything similar.

“It very much begins with research and development, a department which is very focussed at their job and well rehearsed in terms of technical equipment and new products.”

The news that the film crews were to shine some light on the factory was a cause for excitement among customers and staff alike.

“There has been other shows on TV in the past and it gave people pleasure to see us on there.

“Many - including us - are proud to see a British brand succeed.”

Nuala is confident the show will be positive for the business.

“I am sure it will be displayed well.”

Made in Britain airs on ITV4 at 8pm.