A HAMPSHIRE marine company has been rescued by former employees and is now on the up.

Kempsafe, which provided catering and laundry equipment to the marine industry was thrown a lifeline by former staff who have renamed the firm Angel Marine.

Darren Holt and Chris Howells set up Angel Marine, which acquired the rights to the Kempsafe trading name.

The pair had spent eight months and eight years with Kempsafe respectively.

Now, the company has four employees and operates out of Solent Business Centre in Millbrook, with plans to expand during the next 18 months.

Big name clients already on the books include BAE Systems, Babcock, Scottish Fisheries, Ferry Operators and the British Antarctic Survey.

Darren said: "We have worked really well as a team to help secure the business for the future, and will be looking onwards with a positive mind.”

The business was set up with advice, support and funding from a number of key agencies including the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Southampton City Council, Enterprise First and the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership Armed Forces Funding.