Pair are coining it with city deal

11:11am Wednesday 12th September 2007

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A firm from Westhoughton has won a contract with Liverpool's Capital of Culture campaign.

Brian Cuthbertand John Marsh founded their business, Lancashire Geocoins, 12 months ago.

The firm designs specialist coins for "geocaching" - an international, web-based treasure-hunt game in which participants use GPS mapping systems to track down and log trinkets buried by fellow "geocachers."

The pair - who are BAE Systems colleagues - have won a contract to create a commemorative geocache coin to mark Liverpool's European Capital of Culture status during 2008.

They impressed Liverpool City Council with their design and will initially create 100 of the colourful, metal coins on a sale-or-return basis.

Mr Marsh, aged 42, said: "We've been negotiating this contract for a number of weeks and we're delighted to have finalised details "We're only a small operation but I hope this will provide a welcome boost, with all the people that are expected to visit Liverpool next year.

"Geocaching has really taken off in the USA, with around 10 million of the coins in circulation, and interest in it is growing rapidly here."

The Liverpool coin is the third in the firm's series, which also includes 250 Lancashire Rose coins, which were sold at £6 each, and 500 Blackpool Tower coins.

The pair say they have set funds aside to create 500 coins for Liverpool. They are manufactured through an American company and made in China at a cost of £5.50 each.

Lancashire Geocoins is currently a self-financing business and has sold its products through specialist geocache websites. They are currently seeking local retail outlets to stock their coins. Their next coin is likely to be based on the Pendle Witches.