A BOLTON manufacturer has tapped into student talent for its product range.

Barkston Ltd, based at Wingates Industrial Park in Westhoughton, has selected six products designed by third year design students from York St John College, in York, to manufacture and market commercially.

Barkston approached the college and suggested a partnership project as part of the company's plans to develop its own product range and get more involved with local colleges and universities.

It was also hoped that working in conjunction with Barkston would provide the students with useful experience and exposure to the commercial world.

The project brief was to design a piece of occasional furniture which Barkston could manufacture and sell, and was incorporated into the final year coursework of the design degree students.

Six prototypes were chosen on the basis of visual appeal and commercial viability.

Barkston managing director Tim Kiernan said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the partnership. The standard of the students' designs far surpassed our expectations, which is why we have selected six designs instead of one.

"The designs are all very different and will offer comfort, style, practicality and also a sense of fun.

"The next stage is for us is to take the range to market and we are extremely optimistic that these products will be well received."

Mr Kiernan is also a member of the York St John Curriculum Panel which is designing a new foundation degree programme. He has given advice on how the new degree programme can become more vocational and bridge the gap between academic learning and the commercial world. The first intake of students will join this new programme in January, 2005.

Founded in 1969, Barkston Ltd incorporates the subsidiary companies Barkston Plastics Ltd, Barkston Plastics Forming Ltd and Barkston Plastics Engineering Ltd. With six facilities in the North of England, the company has a turnover in excess of £7 million and employs more than 100 staff.