TELEVISION troubleshooter Sir John Harvey-Jones and a BBC crew came to Bolton to shoot a new television series.

The famous industrialist was visiting Velden Engineering, on Bedford Street, to check on the company's progress since his last visit in 1995 when he gave his advice on how the firm could improve.

He was so impressed by the company's progress, he gave it a big thumbs-up saying it had "quality engineering and marvellous potential."

Sir John became a household name in the 1980s when his efforts to save ailing companies were highlighted in his Troubleshooter series.

The results of his recent visit will be shown on BBC2 next spring in a new series of "Troubleshooter Returns".

The business guru cut a ribbon to officially open Velden's new workshop extensions and he joined the team for a barbecue and presentation to celebrate the company's 25-year roller coaster ride in business.

Velden Managing Director Alex Kitchen said: "Over the last 18 months, we've transformed the place out of hand. We have re-engineered the company from top to bottom, taken down old dilapidated buildings and replaced them with new modern units."

The company also announced plans to split Velden Eagle Golf from the business so it can operate as an independent limited company. It will produce a range of electric golf trolleys and buggies.

Velden has also formed a new company called PowerBikes Ltd to produce and market a hybrid electric bike.

Last year Bolton fan Sir John, who is in semi-retirement due to ill health, lent his support to Bolton Institute's bid to become a university.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.