AN IMPORTANT collection of shiny trade medals which were won by a company that later merged into Westinghouse Brake and Signals Company were handed over to Chippenham Museum on Friday.

The medals, which were donated by Chippenham Properties Ltd, were awarded to Saxby and Farmer at major trade fairs in the 19th century and onwards and will now sit pride of place in the museum as part of their new Westinghouse display.

"We are delighted to accept this generous donation from Chippenham Properties Ltd," curator Melissa Barnett said. "The medals will form part of our display at the museum chronicling the history and the importance internationally of Westinghouse as well as bringing chronology and context to the display."

The museum are also working closely with Siemens Rails Automation UK, who currently remain on the Westinghouse site, to complete their display using an archive of material donated by the rail company.

Councillor Sandie Webb, leader of the town council, added: "The town of Chippenham has had a close relationship with the company since the time of the Boer War when the site was owned by Evans O’Donnell, through WW1 as Saxby Farmer and then onto and beyond WW2 as Westinghouse Brake and Signal Company.

"Siemens have continued the tradition of providing welcome employment. This donation by Clive Wilding, Director of Chippenham Properties Ltd, will afford visitors to Chippenham Museum a glimpse of the international renown that the towns longest and largest employers enjoyed."