BOSSES at one of the town's oldest firms say they hope to move to new premises within 12 months.

Philip Mitchell, managing director of Bolton engineering firm Thomas Mitchell and Sons Limited, says the hunt will start when the present site is sold.

The news comes as plans for a shopping development on the Trinity Street site were approved.

Now Mr Mitchell says he hopes to sell the site and move the business, and its 12 employees, to new premises in the town.

The company specialises in the distribution of new and second hand electrical motors, control gear and pumps.

An engineering repairs service is also offered by the firm. Yesterday Mr Mitchell said: "We will relocate to another location in the Bolton borough hopefully in the next 12 months where we will continue to trade."

News of the planned move comes as the workforce prepares to celebrate the firm's 160th anniversary this year.

Mr Mitchell added: "As far as I'm aware we are the longest running Bolton firm which is still family owned."

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