AN EAST Lancashire firm has been named as one of the fastest growing in the country.

Euro Garages based in Blackburn Road, Darwen, is the only company from Lancashire in the Sunday Times fast-track 100 private companies in Britain.

Started by Zuber Issa in 2001, turnover has rocketed from £17.3 million in 2002 to £78.9 million in 2005, earning it 87th place in the poll.

Euro Garages buy and revamp petrol stations, including rundown and derelict ones.

Bosses said this formula had been key to their success and as a result they have become one of the biggest fuel retailers in the North West with sites in Colne and Nelson as well as Blackburn, Preston, Liverpool and Manchester.

Zuber Issa said: "It is a great achievement and we are happy with it.

"Our success is not down to one individual, it's a team effort.

"We are still trying to build the business up and are always looking for good locations for future sites."

Motorists will only know if they have been served by a Euro Garage owned petrol station when they check their receipt.

Many of the stations are supplied by and have the brands Shell, BP, Total and Texaco.