loans totalling £448,235 have been awarded to businesses in Deane, Derby and Daubhill over the last three years.

Bolton Business Ventures, managers of the 3Ds Business Loan Fund, said on the third anniversary of the scheme that 71 loans had now been made.

Of those, 29 were made to new business start-ups.

In addition to finance provided from the Fund, a further £842,000 has been "levered" into the businesses from proprietors' own capital, increased bank facilities and government grants.

BBV said today that the average amount lent to each business was £6,000, with a further £16,000 injected from other sources.

The original Fund Partners -- the Co-operative Bank, SRB Partnership, Bolton Metro and Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce -- have retained their involvement and have expressed their delight at the results to date.

Mr Paul Davidson, Chief Executive of BBV, said on behalf of the Partners' Steering Group: "At a time when small firms are very much at the forefront of the public policy agenda, particularly with regard to provision of finance, we are delighted to announce these results which clearly demonstrate the value of financial initiatives which are targeted at local communities.

"The Loan Fund offers a practical way of supporting and encouraging the efforts, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local people, as well as the commitment of the Fund's sponsors and partners, to building a strong business sector in some of the most deprived areas of Bolton."

New loans are still being approved.

Any business or prospective start-up in the 3Ds area of Bolton which seeks finance to expand operations is invited to contact Loan Funds Manager Mike Parker at BBV on 01204 391400.

The website can be accessed on bbvonline.net