A FORMER Bolton Young Entrepreneur of the Year has had another awards success.

Lee Bevan, aged 30, who owns Leapfrog Computers in Church Street, Westhoughton, is celebrating after being highly commended in the North-west final of The Prince's Trust and Royal Bank of Scotland Group Business Awards.

Mr Bevan established the business in Church Street in 1999 thanks to a grant from The Prince's Trust and help from other bodies including Bolton Enterprise Services, Bolton Business Ventures and National Westminster Bank.

His business now employs four people and offers a full range of computer equipment, repairs and training to domestic and commercial customers.

From the start there has been business advice from Prince's Trust mentor Chris Holt.

Mr Bevan said after the Chorley awards ceremony: "Although I did not win the title, to be shortlisted ahead of other businesses from the North-west and then to be highly commended is a fantastic achievement.

Jackie Tyler, the Prince's Trust Regional Director for the North-west, said: "The Business Awards help to celebrate the Trust's work in developing and nurturing young entrepreneurs.

"The success of the young entrepreneurs who have been shortlisted proves that, when they are well-supported, they can compete in the marketplace as well as making a positive contribution to their local communities."

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group sponsored the awards for the first time as an important part of a £9.7 million support package to The Prince's Trust.

"As a major bank in the area it is great to see the future for enterprise looking so strong," said Andy Warren, senior regional manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Prince's Trust in the North-west has helped 267 young people into business so far this year.

Lee Bevan won the Young Entrepreneur category in the 2000 Bolton and Bury Business Awards. A FORMER Bolton Young Entrepreneur of the Year has had another awards success.

Lee Bevan, aged 30, who owns Leapfrog Computers in Church Street, Westhoughton, is celebrating after being highly commended in the North-west final of The Prince's Trust and Royal Bank of Scotland Group Business Awards.

Mr Bevan established the business in Church Street in 1999 thanks to a grant from The Prince's Trust and help from other bodies including Bolton Enterprise Services, Bolton Business Ventures and National Westminster Bank.

His business now employs four people and offers a full range of computer equipment, repairs and training to domestic and commercial customers.

From the start there has been business advice from Prince's Trust mentor Chris Holt.

Mr Bevan said after the Chorley awards ceremony: "Although I did not win the title, to be shortlisted ahead of other businesses from the North-west and then to be highly commended is a fantastic achievement."

Jackie Tyler, the Prince's Trust Regional Director for the North-west, said: "The Business Awards help to celebrate the Trust's work in developing and nurturing young entrepreneurs.

"The success of the young entrepreneurs who have been shortlisted proves that, when they are well-supported, they can compete in the marketplace as well as making a positive contribution to their local communities."

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group sponsored the awards for the first time as an important part of a £9.7 million support package to The Prince's Trust.

"As a major bank in the area it is great to see the future for enterprise looking so strong," said Andy Warren, senior regional manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

"The Royal Bank knows that young entrepreneurs need all the help and encouragement they can get and awards such as these go a long way in providing that."

The Prince's Trust in the North-west has helped 267 young people into business so far this year.

Lee Bevan won the Young Entrepreneur category in the 2000 Bolton and Bury Business Awards.