A LEADING tank track maker based in the heart of the County Durham dales is celebrating after winning a multi-million pound extension to a vital Ministry of Defence contract. Cook Defence Systems, in Stanhope has secured an extension to its contract to supply spare tracks for the Challenger 2 main battle tank and other combat, reconnaissance and engineering vehicles for the British Army. The UK company – Weardale’s most valued employer – is the world’s leading independent designer and manufacturer of track systems for armoured vehicles. Its tracks are in service on almost all the tracked vehicles in the British Army and with many other armed forces around the world.