A NELSON lighting company has plans to expand overseas and double turnover in the next three years.

Chantelle Lighting, which employs 50 people at Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, said it plans to create a further 10 jobs as part of the expansion.

The company, whose clients include pub company Yates Group and De Vere Hotels, has grown turnover to £3million in the last few years and expects this to reach £6million by 2008.

Anthony Holly, managing director, said: "We are now a well-established provider of lighting for the pub and restaurant market but it's important we widen our reach into other areas, such as casinos and hotels.

"This sector alone represents a massive opportunity for us and tapping into it forms a key part of our plan to double sales in the next three years."

Chantelle Lighting was established in 1990 as a distributor of specialist light fittings for the UK leisure sector.

Six years ago Mr Holly decided to diversify into manufacturing and the company has gone from strength to strength.

He relocated the company to new 25,000 sq ft premises at Lomeshaye with financial support of Lloyds TSB Corporate.

Chantelle now produces light fittings ranging from down lighters to made-to-order £50,000 chandeliers.

Lloyds TSB is again providing financial support to make the necessary improvements to its factory.

David Gooch, a manager at Lloyds TSB Corporate in Lancashire, said: "Until recently, the company was just a distributor of lighting equipment but now they're a niche manufacturer.

"They have an excellent customer base with some strong high street names."