THERE are few family businesses that have stood the test of time in Bolton but Dougie Tobutt's sports' shop is definitely one.

Who would have thought that the dream of one sporting enthusiast would still be going strong almost 100 years later and still run by enthusiastic members of the same local family.

While other small shops have long since been consigned to the history books this fascinating store continues to serve customers in the town as it has done since 1923.

Things have changed somewhat since 1923 — not least the sporting goods sold in the shop — but how refreshing it is to be able to talk about a shop that really was made in Bolton.

It is incredible to think that people were wanting sports' equipment in the 1920s in the town but Dougie's forward-thinking grandfather, Len Tobutt, was convinced that is what they wanted and he was proved right.

That is not to say the sports' shop has had an easy ride of it over the years — demand has changed and needs altered much in almost 100 years — but what remains at the heart of what this family does is that they continue to provide a personal service that is second-to-none.

Len Tobutt was a professional cricketer from Middlesex — playing well into his 70s.

His first shop was at number 49 Higher Bridge Street and concentrated, mainly on cricket and football as they were the popular sports of the day.

There would, of course, be far fewer women involved in sport in the 1920s although there may be a handful on the golf courses and perhaps turning their hand to a tennis session or two.

In those early days, of course, running was not the passion it is today and while some people may well have taken to running around local tracks, or taking part in cross country events, they would not be pounding the streets, declares running man Dougie — a marathon man of great repute.

There have been times of great change for this popular sports' shop which started in humble beginnings and grew into the popular brand we see today.

Things have had to change over the years. During World War Two Len had to diversify, somewhat, as Bolton folk had their minds on things other than rackets, bats and balls.

"He would go to auctions and buy suitcases of things to sell in the shop.

"He had to be quite inventive during the war and he'd buy things like clay pipes, Wellington boots and things like that," says Dougie.

Woollen swimming trunks and bikinis were included in the haul of "different" items Dougie's grandfather bought in those war years — probably not a surprise to discover they remain in the family's possession — in the loft of the family home — after remaining unsold in the shop!

Although Len's shop was something of a novelty at first, eventually more sports shops would open, all running successfully alongside each other.

Customers would frequent the different shops depending on the type of sport they were interested in.

There were shops run by Albert Ward, George Bell and Harold Windett, recalls Dougie — names that will, no doubt, be recalled by some of our Looking Back readers.

Tennis, badminton, hockey and even lacrosse were sports specialised in by Tobutt's although the range of goods was not confined to sport as the shop would also stock scout uniforms, for instance.

Tobutt's has always been a family business passing from Len to his son, Geoffrey and then to his grandson (Geoffrey's son), Dougie.

It is still very much a family business involving other members of the Tobutt family including Dougie's daughter, Mandy Foster and wife, Eileen.

Over the years it has stocked a wide range of sports' items from the more energetic football to the hugely popular darts and even dominoes.

The shop has moved home a few times but is now in Blackburn Road and moving with the times by including Dougie's brainchild of the holistic Good Health Centre featuring a range of services, including specialised phsyiotherapy and Dougie's own hot and cold stone treatment called medistone bodywork.

So what would Len think of the way his shop has developed over the years, ponders Dougie, who includes Nordic walking in his repertoire.

Would he be surprised to see how sport has taken off in Bolton — particularly running which has seen a massive increase in popularity.

"I think he would understand what I've done and why I've done it and I think he would be proud," he decides.

Do you know of any other Bolton businesses that have stood the test of time and are still run by the same family almost a century on from starting out?

Do you feel the town is missing the personal touch these days?

Get in touch with Gayle McBain on 01204 537269 or email gayle.mcbain@nqnw.co.uk and we will feature other businesses that have had long links with the town.