BLACKBURN, the once-thriving epicentre of the Industrial Revolution, current home of Lancashire's only top-flight football club and... the base for a pioneering international swimwear firm?

And if managing director Terry Whalley gets his way, then Aqua Sphere will soon become a real jewel in the town's industrial crown..

Aqua Sphere, a distributor of high-quality, stylish and health-conscious swimming equipment, is already 'making waves' across the UK and beyond.

The company is a subsidiary of Aqua Lung - the firm responsible for making the first diving regulator for sea explorer Jacques Cousteau back in 1943.

Aqua Sphere recently emerged from Apeks Marine Equipment which has been manufacturing some of the finest diving gear in the world from its purpose-built Roman Road factory for over 30 years.

"With our equipment being used by the likes of the British Navy and the emergency services, including coast guards, we found that Apeks had established a sound reputation throughout the market," said Rishton-born man at the helm Terry, who joined the firm in its original guise in 1982.

"It was time to move on, dive into new waters as it were, so hence the birth of Aqua Sphere."

Targeting the recreational fitness swimmer, with the emphasis firmly on fitness, it was decided that Aqua Sphere would offer much more than just trunks and armbands.

"Our products are aimed at professional people committed to health and fitness," added Terry, 62. "Swimming burns more calories per hour than activities such as aerobics and jogging and it is recognised as one of if not the very best method of exercising.

"We are keen to assist such an effective method of keeping fit and play a leading part in what is essentially a new market."

Terry also points towards recent medical studies into obesity as another driving force behind the company's growth and its commitment to offering medically acclaimed products.

"According to the experts, swimming is the best way to tackle or fight off obesity and, particularly in an age of junk food and the couch potato, it is important to promote the need to live a healthy life.

"Aqua Sphere is simply saying 'if you're going to exercise, then do it properly'."

Going 'flipper to flipper' with Speedo, the long-time market leaders, Aqua Sphere's Italian-designed products are steadily infiltrating leisure facilities across the country including the Dunkenhalgh Hotel in Clayton-le-Moors.

Among the unique range on offer are the revolutionary Seal Mask, Swim Skins and the cutting edge underwater radio - the Aqua FM Snorkel.

"It's certainly not you run-of-the-mill gear - we use the finest quality materials in manufacturing each and every product which really gives us the edge over our competitors."

Terry, who has overseen Apeks' relocation from Darwen to its current Blackburn site, is proud to front such a thriving firm from his home county.

"I'm a northerner through and through - I'd rather run a successful business from Blackburn than anywhere else in the country. Starting a venture of this type is very much a case of diving in at the deep end, but we believe in our products and our people and are confident of a bright future."