A Farnworth firm says being honoured as “Company of the Year” validated “everything they stand for.

Howorth Air Tech, based on Lorne Street, was handed the accolated at this year’s Bolton News Business Awards.

At a ceremony held at the Bolton Whites Hotel last week, managing director Jim Liptrot stepped up to collect the award on the company’s behalf.

He said: "It's hard to put into words what it means.

"In 2017 I met representatives from Bolton Council and they hadn't heard of Howorth Air Tech. Everyone's heard of Howorth Air Tech."

He added: "The impact we make in Bolton is extremely important and we want to set the example to any company about how you run a good company.

"And this award is a validation of everything that we stand for."

The award was one of several handed out to winning firms from all across the borough.

Bolton Council leader Nick Peel said in his address to the audience that business based in districts like Farnworth could be key to remaking the borough’s economy.

He said: “Outside the centre, Farnworth, Horwich, Westhoughton and Little Lever are being re-developed thanks to our District Centre fund which will see £16m of investment in these vital commercial centres.

“This regeneration work is backed by council strategies to create communities where people want to live, work, visit, study and invest in the local economy.”

He added: “But supporting business is not always about the big strategies and major investments.

“As business leaders you will know that sometimes all you need is good advice, some reliable guidance, or the right connections.

“That’s where our Business Bolton team comes in.

“The council’s business support service is always on hand to offer advice on developing your business plan, financing business growth, and new ways to take a product or service to market.”