FROM pest control specialists to computer repairs, women are making it big in business in Bacup and helping to put the town back on the map.

A special team to aid business has been working with entrepreneurs in the town for six months and they are delighted to report that women are helping breathe new life into the Bacup business community.

Chris Browne, of the Kingfisher's Top of the Valley project, said: "We have been happily surprised by the entrepreneurial spirit shown among Bacup's businesswomen.

"There is a new spirit of determination in the town and women are at the forefront of putting Bacup back on the map.

"The women are running a really wide variety of different businesses -- services, manufacturing, retail -- you name it they are doing it.

"Everyone has been struck by the numbers involved."

Typical of the new breed of entrepreneurs are Julie Ryder, of HearFirst, who runs a deaf awareness training organisation; Tilly Hellawell of mole specialist Mole Patrol; Jane Broadfoot, of Dylans Gifts and Gadgets; Lisette Loredon a cabinetmaker; Carmel Coaker of newsagents Bacup News; and Jill Back of Equal Computers, a company which repairs as well as sells computer equipment.

Mr Browne added: "We are here to offer advice and support to every member of the Bacup business community, but we are delighted to have seen so many women giving it a go and succeeding."

At present more than 30 women-led businesses are on the Top of the Valley client list.

The aims of the Business Link-funded project are to help stimulate new success stories in Bacup and build on the ones already there.

Mr Browne said: "There is plenty of support available, from training courses to grant funding, we can let businesses know exactly what is there and how to take advantage of it.

"And that applies as much to men as women."