GUARDIAN angels and their "cherubs" have been honoured at a presentation ceremony at the Fence Gate Inn, Fence.

The first award event to be held since the Guardian Angel scheme was extended throughout East Lancashire saw Cartex of Nelson named as the winner.

The scheme involves experienced business managers acting as mentor for a younger company with the aim of helping it grow and hopefully create new jobs.

Introduced into the Blackburn City Challenge area by the Blackburn Partnership in 1994, the scheme was expanded throughout East Lancashire since last year with the support of ELTEC. "The Guardian Angel programme has been responsible for the creation and preservation of more than 500 jobs since its inception," said Philip Felcey, chairman of the Blackburn Partnership told the audience at the event which was sponsored by the Marsden Building Society.

Winning partnership Cartex of Nelson, run by Neville Whiteoak, manufactures car seat covers.

His Guardian Angel is Philip Cox of Ribble Management Services.

"It is refreshing to be part of a scheme where there is no bureaucracy," said Philip. "I get as much out of this as I hope my cherubs do and I am delighted to be part of the programme."

And Neville said the scheme had created a major impact on his business.

"Being introduced to Ian Rigby and Philip Cox are two of the best things to have happened to me.

"My business has never looked better."

Since the project started, the firm has set about moving premises and creating new jobs.

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