A BURNLEY fireplace firm, founded just four years ago, is planning to become the biggest of its kind in the UK.

The Fireplace Warehouse has seen a six-fold increase in staff since its launch and has just moved into one of the town's biggest retail sites on Accrington Road.

Directors Mark Townsend and Adrian Mason launched their business idea at a car-boot sale and operated with a van and an exhibition stand for 18 months before converting part of their warehouse into a showroom.

The company now employs 18 full-time staff, has a turnover approaching £2 million, and has a team of craftsmen to finish its own products in addition to supplying fires, fireplaces and other home improvement items from other maunfacturers.

Business Link East Lancashire is now advising on and helping finance the company's internet presence and a new brochure.

Mark said: "We are already attracting customers who are prepared to travel an hour to reach us and with the website we will be able to spread our customer base even further."