A DESIGN firm has beaten off a number of top companies to win a contract to supply the advertising for a top sports brand.

Source Creative, Mill Lane, Blackburn, has launched a new advertising campaign for Gola which is appearing in national magazines.

The initial two-month campaign is showcasing the Bacup-based manufacturer's new Classics' brand for the year.

A second push will be launched by the company later this year.

The Genes and Trainers campaign shows an array of Gola footwear in the shape of a strand of DNA The adverts will be in style and music magazines including Arena, Flux, Vice, NME, Clash, Dazed and Confused and Play Music.

As well as the magazine adverts Source Creative is also producing an advertising video for internet sites You Tube and My Space.

Chris Thornley, director of Source Creative, said the value of the contract was dependant on sales.

He said: "We were competing against London-based and Manchester-based agencies.

"We have eight staff and these agencies have hundreds of workers so we were really chuffed. It is running for an initial two months in many of the youth and culture magazines.

"There is an initial push to get interest in the product then there will be a second phase around September."

Source Creative was set up by Mr Thornley, 35, and fellow director Stephen Caton in 2002 and last year had a turnover of over £500,000.

The two went to Blackburn College and were doing freelance work when they decided to set up their own agency.

As well as the Gola contract Source Creative has designed the logos for T-shirts for clothing companies in America and Canada, including Threadless and Urban Outfitters.

The company has also worked for companies in Brazil and has just finished designing a double page spread for a German youth magazine.

Local contracts have included Blackburn with Darwen Council and Connexions Lancashire.