THE boss of a multi-million pound computer empire has pledged to keep the Bolton Lads and Girls Club online.

Bolton-born PC World managing director Keith Jones re-visited the club where he played football as a youngster, donating hi-tech music and broadcasting equipment - and offering to ensure that their 30 computers keep working, free of charge.

The club's computers are used for storing membership records, helping with CV's and job applications, as well as constant use on the internet by members.

But computer breakdowns often mean they are out of commission for six weeks or more. Now Mr Jones' promise will keep them constantly available.

The 41-year-old head of the English operation of PC World moved to Madrid with the business six years ago. But he has retained strong links with his home town through family and friends still living here, and admits that "a large part of my heart is still in Bolton".

Mr Jones was born in Tonge Moor and brought up there and in Astley Bridge and Sharples, attending Bolton County Grammar School where he met his future wife, Joanne Richardson.

Mr Jones, Joanne and their two daughters, Gemma, aged 13, and Emily, aged 11, went to live in Spain but also have a home in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, near to his English workbase.

In Madrid, the girls have been attending the same school as David and Victoria Beckham's children.

Even this high-flying lifestyle has not, however, dimmed Mr Jones' undoubted warmth towards his home town. "I regret that neither of my children has a Bolton accent," he laughed. "And I look around the Bernebau Stadium sometimes and just think 'it's not the Reebok, though, is it!'"

Keith and his brother are strong Bolton Wanderers' supporters and he oftens catches a match when he flies back from Spain.

The link with the Lads and Girls Club was reforged through sheer coincidence when he attended a PC World sales conference in Birmingham. "They had somehow persuaded Peter Kay to do the entertainment as a surprise," said Keith. "It was great, two Bolton lads together. One of the people with him was a volunteer at the Lads and Girls club and he asked me if I'd like to help. I said I would and the next time I was in Bolton I took some of the staff from the Bolton store and some equipment the club needed."

When he attended the club as a lad, it was in the old Bark Street premises. "We used to have two benches inside for goal-posts," said Keith.

"So it was wonderful to see the sports and other facilities at the new place in Spa Road, and to know that for 40p so many kids could enjoy them all."

Club chief executive Jeremy Glover, said: "It was a complete surprise and wonderful not only to have this support from Keith but also to realise just how well an ordinary lad from Tonge Moor has done."

Mr Jones added: "I come back to the town regularly and would always want to do that. It is this contact that keeps me grounded."