FOOTBALL fan Barry Chaytow has more England caps than anyone else. But that is because his company makes them.

Mr Chaytow's Tie and Scarf Company is where all of the national side's appearance caps are now made.

He set up in a former paint factory three months ago after the site was purchased as a venture by his son David.

Mr Chaytow, who is managing director of the firm, is also chairman of OIdham Athletic and a former chairman of Bolton Wanderers.

His company has made honours hats for the past 30 years and he decided the time was right for a move from former premises in Middleton.

Mr Chaytow, who lives in Whitefield, began making the velvet caps at his Warth Road, Bury, factory after sending a sample of his work to the Football Association.

They liked what they saw, inviting Barry to become their regular supplier and since then he has produced around 3,000.

Mr Chaytow said: "I think it was the fact that we could make the caps at a competitive price.

"People are quite surprised when they find out that we make them, and very interested when they do know.

"A lot of people don't know that the England players actually get a cap every time they play, they think that 'cap' is just a term that's used." Barry now supplies caps for the Scotland, Wales and Ireland football sides, county football sides and rugby teams.

Although the football world has altered beyond recognition since the early 1970s, the ornamental hats remain much the same.

"It's not changed very much since we began making them and I've no idea where the original design came from.

"They have been given out for well over 100 years, so it does go back a long way."

Orders from the Football Association come for batches of around 30 or 40, with each hand stitched cap taking around an hour to make.

Mr Chaytow still takes a pride in the thought that his caps will be presented to the national side whenever they play.

He said: "It's very nice when you see the players on the pitch and you know that you have made something for that particular side."

The England caps cost the FA around £35 and are made on a strictly exclusive basis.

Barry said: "It has to be for someone who plays for England. We couldn't sell them to any one else at all; that would be unethical."

The family firm is five generations old and once produced caps for everyday use. Its site in Bury employs 15 people, supplies many of the country's football clubs with scarves and ties, and exports products to around 30 countries.

Mr Chaytow said: "Coming to Bury has been a very good move for us. It is very convenient and a very nice location."