A TRIO of fledgling firms have won awards worth more than £6,000 for their 'extra' potential.

The ventures have won cash prizes, computers and business support packages in ELTEC's Extra 96 initiative, organised in conjunction with the six enterprise agencies in East Lancashire.

It is the fourth year of the scheme, aimed at companies less than two-and-a-half years old.

This year's overall winner was 8 x 4 Production, of Colne, which hires and sells staging equipment. Since it was launched two year ago the firm has grown to employing six people and 20 sub-contractors and has won work from theatres and Granada TV.

Directors Alison Cook and Carl Ryder were presented with prizes including £3,000.

Said Heather Halstead of ELTEC: "Their achievements to date, including financial performance, their flair and entrepreneurial spirit singled them out as a company with a tremendous potential for growth."

Runners-up and winners of £2,000, a computer and business support were Xavier Engineering, of Burnley, which provides milling, heat treatment and anodising services.

And Rawtenstall based Multi Media Experience, which distributes education and reference software, were third and won £1,000.

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