IT specialist and keen sportsman Sajad Ajmal Butt has become the first Asian president of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

Popularly known as Saj, he is the director of 3B Systems Ltd, a flourishing family computer company in Nelson, which he helped launch in 1985, with his brothers Ijaz and Moushad.

Now 43, Saj intends to fulfil his two-year role as the chamber's new president with much energy, enthusiasm and excitement.

He said: "I am delighted to be honoured in this way and am looking forward to working with people from all sectors of the business and social communities to help maximise their potential.

"The chamber of commerce and the Asian Business Federation have a collective objective for the progression of local business and industry and staff at both operational and senior level are dedicated and sincere in their bid to bring about changes for the good of all."

In 1989 Saj left the family business and spent nine years at Lancaster and Morecambe College as a lecturer in IT and then staff development manager. He was also a staff governor there.

However, he returned to 3B Systems four years ago has recently gained an MBA in education management from Leicester University.

He is a former student of Primet High School, Colne, and Nelson & Colne College and in his youth was renowned locally for his sporting activities, particularly in cricket and football.

As captain of Paak United Football Club, he won many awards whilst playing in the Pendle and then Burnley and District Leagues.

His company has just enjoyed its best-ever financial year and recently received its first overseas order, for 15 computer systems from a Tanzanian university.

It is a supplier of computer hardware and software to the region, with customers ranging from individuals to large organisations. It also carries out PC repairs/upgrades and networking..