AN MP has praised a 200-year-old business as a ‘classic example’ of a company to be proud of in Basingstoke.

Maria Miller MP visited De La Rue, one of Basingstoke’s oldest companies founded over 200 years ago, based in Jays Close.

The MP met the management team to be updated on current projects and also met with the firm’s human resources director who outlined the company’s commitment to ensuring gender equality.

The company’s archivist also showed Mrs Miller early banknotes both depicting women and other historic events.

Mrs Miller said: “ De La Rue is one of Basingstoke’s most established companies printing sterling and the UK Passport. We have so much to be proud of here in Basingstoke and De La Rue is a classic example of a local company committed to their community and beyond.”