FITNESS queen Louise Brooks crowned a personal success story by being named Bolton and Bury's Business Person of the Year.

The 36-year-old triumphed over stiff competition to take the coveted award at the annual Bolton and Bury Business Awards 1999, held at the Reebok Stadium last Friday.

It is an amazing achievement for the woman who has operated her health studios in Chapel Street, Bury, for the past six years. Today, the club boasts 1,000 members.

Just weeks ago, Louise invested £250,000 in the business by buying the whole building prior to doubling the size of the studio to 16,000 sq ft.

The move will lead to an increase in staff for the health studio, which currently employs around 25 people. The acclaimed businesswoman has been involved in the health and fitness industry for the past 18 years.

The award meant Louise picked up a prestigious trophy along with £2,000 in prize money.

Two other top companies also flew the flag for the Bury area.

Prestwich-based plant tyre business Fix-It Now won the Growth Company of the Year award.

And a special tribute was paid to Mr Stephen Crow, managing director of Bury-based foil top lid and drinking straw manufacturers Chadwick's, who was named Business Person of the Decade in a special category not previously featured in the seven-year history of the awards.

It was a fitting accolade for Mr Crow who is due to retire from the company in July after 19 years with Chadwick's.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.