A CHAT with Prince Charles has been the highlight of a successful year for a Bolton businessman.

Mr John Blears, aged 43, is managing director of Bridgewater Laboratory Systems Ltd -- a growing company based in the Hindley business centre.

It is involved in the design, manufacture and installation of laboratory furniture and associated products.

Mr Blears, who is a joiner by trade, established the company in March, 2000 with fellow director Colin Millington from Widnes

A major project at the moment involved developing satellite laboratories for United Utilities throughout Lancashire.

Other customers have included Wigan and Leigh College, Bolton School and Smithills School.

Mr Blears was one of the guests when the project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, was opened by the Prince of Wales. He told the Prince that he had driven 300 miles from Bolton to be at the event.

Mr Blears, who attended Hayward High School, later became an apprentice machinist with Roy Neary at N.B. Joinery in Bark Street, Bolton.

He moved on to manage the laboratory furniture division of a St Helens-based company before launching Bridgewater Laboratory Systems Ltd.

The company employs 10 staff at the moment.