AN Okehampton firm now celebrating its centenary is the oldest kite manufacturer in Europe. Brookite has seen sales soar and the anniversary has been highlighted by the inclusion of two of its kite designs in the UK Top Ten compiled by the Independent newspaper. Brookite was founded in 1907 by entrepreneurial brothers Tommy and Walter Brooke who, like everyone else at the time, were swept along in the raging enthusiasm for aviation and all things flight related. A special centenary publication shows how radio pioneer Marconi used a Brookite kite to help with the first ever transatlantic radio message in 1910 and how, soon after, the revolutionary technology was used to capture the notorious wife murderer Dr Crippen as he fled the UK by sea. In 1938 Brookite?s London base burned down, destroying many records, so that it is now impossible to know the exact date of the company?s founding. During the war, Brookite made kites for military use, and was taken over by businessman, conjurer and ventriloquist Ernest Sewell, grandfather of the current MD Nick Harrison. Since 1979, the business has been run from a former mill near Okehampton by Nick and Mandy Harrison, who are using the theme of flight to mark Brookite?s centenary year. Sales director Mandy Harrison said: ?At the start of the year, we had no idea if anyone would be interested in the fact that we can trace the business? history back to Edwardian times. ?We went ahead because we thought it an appropriate vehicle to thank our loyal customers and to have a bit of fun in researching the past and sorting our fairly extensive archives. ?We have been rewarded by increased sales this year and a tremendous amount of goodwill from customers both new and established. ?We are truly delighted especially as some of our own designs have now been nationally recognized.? Brookite?s ?Air Bear?, featuring a parachuting panda in goggles and the self-colouring ?Aztec Colour-A-Kite? made the list of the Top Ten Best Kites. In addition to traditional models, Brookite sell a wide range of power and sporting kites, including those used in the booming surfing and skate-boarding cultures.