A NEW 'life saving' fabric from an East Lancashire mill is taking the industry by storm.

The Pertex Reflec fabric, produced by Perseverance Mills in Padiham, has been described as a 'world beater' and an 'all British breakthrough' by trade experts.

And the fabric is being seen as a major contribution to road safety for cyclists, runners and children.

Reflec is printed with ink made from metallised glass beads, which act like a covering of millions of cats-eyes making the wearer highly visible. Clothing made from the fabric reflects light back to sources such as car headlamps.

The ink printed on to Pertex Reflec can be made up in any colour and look like normal printed designs in daylight and will only show its reflective qualities at night.

Pertex fabric, used for outdoor garments including mountaineering jackets and sleeping bags, is windproof, lightweight and highly water resistant. Manufacturers including Berghaus, Sprayway and Buffalo all use Pertex.

Pertex has been made at Perseverance's Albion Mills since 1977. A staff of 320 make the whole supply of Pertex for the world market.

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