Toye Kenning and Spencer, the 320-year-old medals and regalia manufacturer, has secured a #2 million contract to make insignia for the UK armed forces.

The contract, which is for metal badges, buttons and textile rank markings, is expected to create between 12 and 24 jobs at the firm's Birmingham metal factory.

TKS, currently employs around 80 staff at its Jewellery Quarter site.

The contract will be managed from the firm's military division, based at its textile-manufacturing centre in Bedworth, Warwickshire.

Chairman Bryan Toye welcomed the contract win, which will supply every arm of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

"We have had a long and successful association with the Ministry of Defence and are delighted to have won such a significant contract against tough competition," he said.

"The contract win is excellent news for Birmingham as it not only secures existing jobs, but creates vacancies in a number of specialist departments," Mr Toye added.

Although the current deal does not include insignia for the newly merged army regiments Mr Toye did not rule outbidding for further opportunities.

Military insignia forms approximately eight per cent of the firm's production.

In addition, the company, which has also has sites in Preston and London, produces a wide range of regalia for civic and masonic societies, jewellery and corporate gifts.