THE face in the picture probably doesn't need much of an introduction as it's been a familiar one in Bolton's Market Hall for over 20 years.

Thousands of people have used his stall to buy herbal remedies and lotions, and the more weight-conscious will have stepped on the well-used scales in the corner.

Lawrence Hool, of John Hool, Herbalist, has worked on the stall since he was a young boy and says many customers have been loyal to the business for over 40 years.

Lawrence, 49, works six days a week and basically oversees the day-to-day running of the thriving business.

Standing amid a cornucopia of herbal teas, remedies, Chinese seaweed and all things healthy, Lawrence - who says many people will know him as John, like his father - explains what his demanding day involves.

''I'm for the fourth generation of Hools to work in the business and I like to think we offer the same personal and friendly service now than when my grandfather started the place in 1872.

''I work six days a week and, really, from the minute we open I never seem to stop.

''There's the stock to keep on top of and much of it needs to be refilled throughout the day.

''And as a qualified herbalist, I always make sure I'm on hand to speak to anybody who has a question or an ailment.''

In his spare time Lawrence reads up on new herbal medicines. He has graduated with a diploma from the National Association of Health Food Stores and is studying for a qualification with the National Association of Herbal Medicines.

''Things change all the time,'' he says. ''When my grandparents first started out they used to make their own tablets, which were coated in a vegetable dusting.

''Of course, in those days, it didn't matter too much if you had a little bit more of one ingredient than another. That wouldn't happen now, though, and all our products are brought in from suppliers.

''I would say one of our current best sellers is St John's Wort which is described as a herbal alternative to mild depression, stress and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) syndrome.''

He tries to keep his business as local as possible and one of his suppliers is from Wigan.

Lawrence, who is helped by his daughter, Jane, and wife, Linda, employs 14 part-time staff and says his busiest days are market days and Saturday.

''That's when we need all hands on deck,'' he smiles. ''I don't know how many people we serve each day, but it's never ending, and that's just the way I like it.''

Lawrence has toyed with the idea of expanding the business. ''But it's very hands-on,'' he says, ''and I would want to be everywhere at once.

''But we do have a few ex-Boltonions who have moved away and still use our products.

''I recently sent a parcel of things to a lady in Wrexham, so word is certainly getting around.''

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