A BURY textile company has taken the chequered flag to print the backdrop design for ITV's coverage of Formula One.

And the coveted contract certainly puts Deluce Textiles well and truly in the picture - literally!

For millions of TV viewers will be able to see the Bury business's finished product when it is featured on all ITV Formula One racing programmes, beginning this weekend.

The Horsham Close-based company, run by Peter Deluce, is primarily involved in designing and printing corporate wear for a variety of clients.

However, its contract for ITV will certainly provide a gilt-edged publicity platform for the business which Peter established in 1992.

He explained: "We were approached by an ITV set designer with a concept for the backdrop to be used in the coverage by ITV for Formula One motor racing during the coming season."

Peter, a big Formula 1 fan, added: "We were able to produce the design on computer and finally print on to the polyester fabric for the backdrop, using Pantone reference colours given to us by ITV."

Deluce Textiles' core business is in corporate wear. Designs can be printed on everything from ties and scarves to blazers and umbrellas.

Peter said: "We did the design for the Airtours uniform and our other clients have included British Gas and numerous building societies.

"We've done one-off umbrellas for pubs, clubs and golf clubs. It's a matter of scanning in the design, putting it on disk and printing it out on to whatever wear is required. And it's all completely washable."

He added: "The finished length was a total of 20 metres and this is being mounted on to rollers to facilitate both the hanging and transportation around the world."

The fabric-printed backdrop will be taken to all the ITV Formula One locations worldwide and be put up in the mobile studio used by presenters and their guests.

The businessman continued: ""I have followed Formula One motor racing for many years.

"This season will hold another dimension for me, though when Jim Rosenthal is in shot I rather think my attention will be elsewhere."

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