A Westhoughton entrepreneur hopes to show the country that Bolton is not a graveyard for businesses.

Lee Bevan, who established Leapfrog Computers in November 1999, thought it was unjust when a recent survey claimed that Bolton insolvency rates were nearly twice the national average.

The Association of Business Recovery Professionals -- R3 -- painted the town as the worst in the country for business failures.

Business leaders in Bolton believe the figures give a misleading impression.

And Lee is determined to show the other side of the coin when he goes to London next month for the national finals of the Prince's Trust and Royal Bank of Scotland Business of the Year Awards.

Lee, aged 31, is aiming for the £4,000 first prize after beating five other regional finalists to win £500 and the North-west title at an awards ceremony in Liverpool.

He said: "I hope to put the record straight and put Bolton where it should be."

Lee, who went to Smithills High School, was made redundant three times before deciding to use his self-taught computer knowledge to set up his own business.

He opened his shop, in Church Street, Westhoughton, with backing from Bolton Enterprise Services, Bolton Business Ventures, the Prince's Trust and the National Westminster Bank.

He did not have one customer through the door in his first week, but business soon picked up. Last July, he moved the business to a former gymnasium in nearby School Street, and now has nine staff.

Recent contracts include one worth £30,000 with United Utilities -- and Lee is planning to branch out into computer training later in the year.

"I have come a long way from nothing," Lee said.

"I wake up in the morning with a smile."