lA LOCAL entrepreneur is using the internet to put a kick into his business.

Nigel Ashton, aged 28, has run the Elite Thai-Kick Boxing Centre in Wordsworth Street, Bolton, for the last five years.

He has now enlisted the help of the Newsquest Digital Media team based at the Evening News in Churchgate, Bolton.

Experts have designed a 15-page site -- elitekickboxing.com -- to help him promote self-defence courses and equipment sales throughout the country.

Nigel, who attended Westhoughton High School, has been involved in Thai boxing for about 12 years.

Currently there are two full-time instructors -- including himself -- and one who is part-time. "We are hoping to expand over the next six months," Mr Ashton said.

The site, which attracted about 50 "hits" in the first few days, advertises courses which can be delivered throughout the country.

One target is people in vulnerable occupations, such as doctors and nurses, who work in the community outside normal hours.

"The courses are a new venture," Mr Ashton said. "We recently delivered one at Dundee University."

There are said to be thousands of Thai-kick boxing fans throughout the country.

Nigel is pictured, left, looking at his web site with, left to right, Lesley Jackson, Digital Media Sales Executive, Christine Thorpe, Sales Executive, Bolton Evening News and Paul Dobson, Web Designer.