BACK on familiar territory! That's a Radcliffe firm of chartered accountants which is re-establishing itself in the town after making a welcome return.

Gortons left its long-established office at Stanmore House in Blackburn Street after merging with a similar company in Heap Bridge, Bury, two years ago.

But now, the practice is well and truly back in town with ten staff transferring from its previous base back to their old home.

The principal is Jim Gorton (35) and the ten-strong team comprises his father John, who is a consultant, and eight other staff.

John Gorton set up his own accountancy practice, John S. Gorton & Co, in Radcliffe in 1961 and in 1984 it moved to Stanmore House.

Jim, Mr Gorton's elder son, joined the company in 1993 having qualified as a chartered accountant with a firm in Sheffield. Three years ago, he became a partner at which time the firm changed its name to Gortons.

In October 2000, it merged with another company. But according to Gortons, "the marriage didn't work out". So, Jim officially "retired" from the firm in Bury and launched Gortons.

Eight members of staff have come from the Bury office to work with John and Jim and all of them used to be based at the old Gortons in Radcliffe. Some have served the company for between 20 and 30 years.

Chartered accountancy certainly runs in the Gorton family. All of John's three children are chartered accountants. Despite the fact he's aged 64 and was previously semi-retired, John is now back at work with a vengeance!

Son John was born in Radcliffe and is treasurer of the Radcliffe District Scouts.