SPONSORSHIP cash from a long-established Bolton Company is creating new "soap" stars.

Washing specialists ACDO - a household name since 1919 - have provided a major boost for Bolton Little Theatre.

The privately-owned family business' products have been known to generations of housewives - but many people do not know the company is based in Mallison Street, Astley Bridge.

The Astley Dye & Chemical Company - its full name - has donated £2,500 to the Little Theatre, the amateur players with a reputation for professionalism.

The cash has been matched by the Government-run Association for Business Sponsorship in the Arts.

Barry Hall, Bolton Little Theatre's Sponsorship Manager, is delighted.

"It is a major development for us," he said.

The cash covers the current season until May.

Managing Director Brandon Pilling, whose father Marshall is a member of BLT, is keen to support the arts locally.

"It is important for us that people in Bolton know we are a Bolton firm," he said.

The deal involves a display at the Hanover Street theatre which depicts the history of the company.

It manufactures and supplies organic, highly biodegradable, animal-friendly machine and hand wash detergents together with Glo-White washing additive aids.

Exports, which only started five years ago, are booming and the Glo-White range of products, including stain removers and net curtain whiteners, is selling all over the world.

Greece, where the company advertises on television, is the biggest overseas market so far.

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