AT the age when most boys read comics, Chris O'Donnell liked nothing more than to pore over wiring and electronic catalogues.

And when he fitted an alarm system at his parent's home at the age of 14, his career path was never in doubt.

Now, at the tender age of 20, Chris has proved himself a real bright spark by running his own thriving electronic security and surveillance company, with "royal" approval.

For a £4,000 "soft" loan from the Prince's Trust proved the springboard to enable him to launch CODE (Chris O'Donnell Electronic) Security and Surveillance earlier this year.

The decision was a shrewd one, given that in the last month alone Chris has quoted for £100,000 worth of work.

All things electronic are an all-consuming passion for the former St Gabriel's High School pupil, who later studied at Bury College.

His dad Eugene, who is involved in sales and marketing for his son's company, recalled: "At an early age, he began to get interested in electronics. Everything just seemed to come naturally to him. He just loves it. "Chris actually fitted an alarm to our house when he was 14 and then three years later completely re-wired our home.

"He used to work with an electrician during his school holidays. It was obvious for many years Chris would follow a career in electronics."

Thanks to his expertise, the youngster whizzed through his GCSE in electronics.

And subsequent successes involving an advanced GNVQ in electrical engineering and a fast-track City and Guilds qualification in electrical installation and testing added to an already impressive C.V.

Chris said: "I've always been interested in electronics, right since I was a boy. But I don't know why the passion came about."

The aspiring business boffin is based at Europa House in Bury and is confident about the prospects for the growth and success of his business.

"I've just finished installing 14 CCTV cameras at a supermarket on the Holcombe precinct and I'm delighted to be competing against the large national companies."

Quality is Chris's watchword and it's a key issue which he won't be comprised on.

"Quality of equipment and installation is vital, as is after-sales service. Recommendation is my best salesman," he stresses.

CODE Security and Surveillance, which has already carried out work for several "blue chip" clients, can provide and install a comprehensive CCTV system for a factory or a simple door entry system.

The business can also supply remote monitoring with electronic scrutiny for 24 hours at the fraction of the cost of employing a security officer.

"New legislation just introduced now means that any commercial premises operating a CCTV system must, by law, comply with the Data Protection Act. Failure can lead to a fine of up to £5,000 for the company or individual operating the system.

"My company can install a Data Protection compliance kit and I can give advice on how to maintain the system.

"There's little point in having a camera system if the evidence it collects cannot be used to obtain a prosecution because it wasn't compliant."

Chris is delighted that he's his own boss and, looking to the future with confidence.

"I always wanted to have my own company. In the future, I would like at least five other people working with me and for my company to expand."

With help from a Bury ISaware project the company has established an Internet web site for CODE and Chris recently received a "First Step Into E-Business" award in recognition of his willingness to embrace this new technology.