DIRECTORS of a Bolton-based leisure company are gunning for success with a major new development at the Camelot Theme Park near Chorley. Nick Brunt, a 33-year-old entrepreneur, has already had one major success - an international Laser Quest business with its roots in Manchester and Bradshawgate, Bolton. He and his partners now believe the next big thing will be Roller Quest - a new attraction which combines in-line rollerblading and an interactive, computer-controlled game.

The world's first Roller Quest area, which is to open on the first day of the season, March 27, is housed within a £1 million family entertainment centre called Castle Camelot.

Participants will skate against the clock, tagging computerised activation points in a 21st Century quest involving the electronic collection of various treasure keys.

"We think it will take off in a big way," Nick said this week at the Laser Quest premises which continue to operate in part of the former ABC cinema building.

He said they had a number of sales leads for other Roller Quest venues and hoped to expand the concept throughout the country and abroad.

"It has international appeal," Nick said confidently.

The enthusiasm is shared by Nick Hall, Chief Executive of Prime Resorts, owners of Camelot Theme Park.

"This is one of the most exciting attractions to be developed for the leisure industry in years," he said.

"It is the perfect product for Camelot and will significantly extend the age range of visitors to the Park by appealing to both the family and the corporate market."

Salford-born Nick Brunt came to live in Bolton when he was about six and was educated at Ladybridge County Primary, Deane Grammar and Bolton South Sixth Form College.

He later studied management sciences at Bradford University. During holiday visits to America he developed his entrepreneurial instincts by selling fine and bone china - not needed in his father's business - at various flea markets.

While they were there Nick and former partner Simon James saw the potential of chase and shoot laser gun games and subsequently formed Laser Quest UK in 1988.

The following year the company opened its first site in Whitworth Street, Manchester and followed it up with the popular Bolton investment in 1992.

Eventually there were 150 centres in 17 different countries.

About four years ago they sold out the international operation to a Canadian company, Versent Corporation.

Simon left and Nick became Managing Director of Laser Quest GB, a Bolton-based company which runs 29 sites, including Bolton and Manchester.

His Operations Director is 29-year-old Graham Starling, the former manager of the Bolton site in the old Dance Factory club.

Nick said each centre turned-over £200,000 a year - they owned Manchester and Bolton, but the others were licensed to other operators.

The Roller Quest concept arose about 20 months ago from "brainstorming" between the two of them and the eventual involvement of a Letchworth company which had developed remote sensor technology used to help firemen train in smoke-filled rooms.

A new company, Smart Entertainment Ltd, has four directors - Nick and Graham, designer Ian Hewitt and Simon Wallwork of Manchester law firm Wacks Caller.

Roller Quest players are fitted out with roller blades, pads and a pair of wrist guards which include a small electronic chip for recording success or otherwise.

"It has been very well received by the leisure industry," Nick said.

"Camelot is our shop window - three days after it opens we have our first prospective customers coming from London," he added.

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