A FIRM making traditional wind musical instruments is in tune with the environment.

Hanson Music has established a “verified chain of custody” from forests in Tanzania to its factory in Marsden. The chain links all handlers of endangered tropical hardwoods used to produce musical instruments – starting with forest harvesters in Tanzania and ending with retailers in the west and showing customers that the wood used to produce their instruments originates from a sustainable source.”

The firm is the first manufacturer of wind instruments to gain Forest Stewardship Council certification and by the end of 2010 had made the world’s first FSC clarinets.

Company owner Alastair Hanson said: “It’s lovely to have won this award for our company. We aim to change the way people think about musical instruments and ours was the first company to do this and global organisations are beginning to take note. This award is recognition of this.’’

Also nominated in the category, sponsored by Stores Direct, were Kirkwood Hospice and Holmfirth Vineyard.