A HUSBAND and wife refused to let their portable loo business go down the pan following the foot and mouth outbreak - and are now flushed with success.

Portable Conveniences suffered two years ago when the disease wiped out the lucrative market for temporary toilets at country shows and other events.

But husband and wife team Neil and Sue Brierley, from Tockholes, decided to invest in growth.

The business - now in its 28th year - has been transformed into the North West's largest independent portable toilet business.

And for Scouser Neil, the secret of Portable Conveniences' success is simple.

"We're the only company in our sector that looks after the top, middle and bottom of the market," he laughed.

When he and Sue took over Portable Conveniences in 2000, it was a business that had suffered from a lack of investment.

Four-and-a-half years on, the business, based at Stockclough Lane, Feniscowles, has trebled its turnover and the company now boasts one of the most extensive ranges in the business.

The company has provided loos at The Grand National at Aintree, Paul McCartney's Coming Home concert in Liverpool, Coronation Street and Hollyoaks shoots, as well as providing toilets for a host of local authorities and cover for emergency services.

"We cater for everyone," said Neil, who employs a team of up to five staff.

"From the humble 'tardis' that you might see on a building site right through to shows, galas, music events, VIP weddings, TV and film shoots.

"At the higher end, the toilets are carpeted and the loos can have piped music."

In fact, Neil can even claim a Royal flush. "We've supplied loos for the Royal Lancashire Show and at Royal Windsor and, yes, we've even had a member of the Royal family in one of them!"

Discretion, however, forbids him from naming the identity of the regal posterior.

Neil, who formerly worked in sales and marketing with Bowater, believes a sense of humour is essential in his line of work.

"I am happy to do anything from answering the phone to going on sites with the loos. The only essential in the job is that you have to be able to have a laugh."

With that his mobile goes again. The ringtone - yes, you've guessed it - Handel's Water Music.