A BOLTON entrepreneur who has provided supplies for James Bond films is celebrating opening a new showroom in Astley Bridge.

World of Brass, which was founded back in 2002 by Paul Tonge, had been operating solely as in internet supplier of home supplies such as door handles and knobs, locks, bolts and light switches.

Now the firm has opened a new showroom to display its thousands of items to customers in Blackburn Road.

Mr Tonge, who has invested £50,000 in the showroom, said his new store is going down well with the public.

He said: “The internet and mail order side will always be a large part of the business, but this new venture has already proved to be a great success with the public who always like to see products in the flesh before they buy.

“Often a picture on the web site or in a brochure cannot do justice, or show the true finish and feel of a product.”

Since its inception, World of Brass has built up a reputation as a quality supplier of chrome,brass,stainless steel and brass iron products and Mr Tonge has seen his products featured in numerous programmes on national television.

He said: “We have also supplied film studios with door and window fittings for films including Pinewood Studios and the James Bond film Skyfall."

The 50-year-old now believes he can boast one of the largest showrooms for door handles and door furniture but said the principles he has always stood by remain firm.

He added: “We never compromise quality for cheaper prices and are confident in our belief that we can offer some of the highest quality products at the most competitive prices.

“Over the years the internet has become more and more crowded with suppliers vying for position on Google and reducing prices in an effort to win business.

“For any business to be successful today they have to adopt an omni-channel marketing strategy, and I see the new showroom as another growth area for World of Brass.”