A BLACKBURN entrepreneur, who has triumphed over personal adversity to successfully establish his own business, has been named one of the North West Region’s Top 10 business heroes.

Philip Rothwell, 54, who started Chair Bears Traditional and Modern Upholstery last year won the accolade at The Barclays Trading Places Awards on Wednesday night.

He is now hoping to go on to scoop the top prize worth over £13,000 at a prestigious black tie awards dinner in London on October 7.

Mr Rothwell of Pendle Drive, suffered a breakdown after the death of his father. Being out of work, due to ill health meant he spent five years on incapacity benefit.

But determined to come off income support, Phillip sought the advice of his local Jobcentre Plus about tapping into his creative flair to re-start his career.

The government-backed Awards, now in their fourth year, are supported by Jobcentre Plus and The Prince's Trust.

They recognise men and women who have overcome various barriers and battled against the odds to positively change their lives by setting up in business.

Barclays marketing director for local business, John Davis, a judge on the panel, said: "The calibre of this year's entries was really outstanding and we hope that with this recognition Chair Bears Traditional & Modern Upholstery will continue on the road to success.”