A ROSSENDALE footwear firm is set to rival some of the biggest names in sportswear by relaunching a brand which was hailed as "the football boot of the 1970s."

Rawtenstall-based D Jacobson and Sons Limited is poised to relaunch Gola boots in time for the World Cup and is hoping to have the biggest national market share in middle range footwear within five years.

The company, which distributes footwear from its Valley factory on Bacup Road, bought the name Gola 14 months ago.

The name has lain dormant for a decade but researchers have test-marketed the brand and suggest it is still recognised by 73 per cent of people.

The company has spent the last year setting up its distribution network for a range of products which will include sports and leisure footwear, clothes and accessories.

Managing director Harvey Jacobson said: "We bought the brand because when you say the name Gola it brings a smile to people's faces.

"From the company's point of view we expect it to be one of the major parts of our growth in the coming years.

"We aim to produce a quality product which is accessible to the public and available through chain stores."

In its heyday Gola was endorsed by the likes of Liverpool manager Bill Shankly and England captain Gerry Francis, as well as being worn by clean-cut comic book hero Roy of the Rovers.

Mr Jacobson said the company is now in discussion with a number of current sports personalities to endorse the new brand but will not reveal who until details are finalised.

The Gola brand will mean more jobs for the company which employs 80 staff in Rawtenstall.

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