TIME has flown for a watch repairer to the stars who is celebrating his 25th anniversary of trading in Bolton.

Stephen Warren, owner of Time Piece in Crompton Place, counts boxer Amir Khan and comedians Peter Kay and Paddy McGuiness among his clientele.

He also used to fix the pocket watches of the late Fred Dibnah and credits his first rate customer service as the secret to his business success.

Mr Warren, aged 51, who lives in Bolton, said: “I am not saying we get it right all the time, but I reckon we manage a 99 per cent customer satisfaction rate.

“We offer a very unique, useful and worthwhile service which you don’t always see on every high street.”

Mr Warren, a former Rivington and Blackrod High School pupil, who completed three years of watch repair training at Openshaw Technical College, said: “Amir quite often comes with his friends or brothers to bring his watches to be fixed.

“He is very pleasant and a real credit to Bolton. He is always happy to have a chat and speak to other customers.”

Mr Warren completed his apprenticeship with S and B Watch Repairs of Chorley Street in Bolton, which had a workshop employing 20 people but closed down some years ago.

He then went to work for Time Watch Repairs before setting up his own business in 1987 in the old Market Hall. He moved to Crompton Pace in 2006.

The business has evolved over the years and now buys unwanted gold, old coins, silverware and watches.

It also offers jewellery repairs and re-threading of beads.

Mr Warren was congratulated on his 25th anniversary by MP David Crausby.

Mr Crausby, the MP for Bolton North East, said: “It is very important that we continue to use and support Bolton businesses. Reaching 25 years of trading here is something to be celebrated and I congratulate Stephen and his team.”

Crompton Place manager Malcolm Angus said: “Time Piece is a very valued business and I quite often see a queue of people there waiting for Stephen’s help.

“He offers a very valued service and I know his loyal customers think very highly of him.

“I would like to congratulate him on his 25th anniversary of trading. We look forward to many more years.”