FIVE friends have come together with the hopes of making Bolton a new destination for gin.

The entrepreneurial team are hoping to put the town on the map ­— with their unusual flavours and distinctive brand.

What started out as a conversation in the pub after "one too many pints" has become a burgeoning hit for the five pals.

Paul Welsh, along with four drinking buddies, have started selling their huge roster of gins as the newly established Bolton Gin Company — just 12 months after they first decided to take the plunge and start their own drinks business.

The company boasts 23 flavoured gins, 12 vodkas and four rums.

They have have already sold £1,000 worth of their products in the first week.

Among the unusual flavours of gin offered by the new firm are Iron Brew, pear drops and candy floss.

The Bolton Gin Company was born in a pub, according to the new director.

The homegrown team hope their concoctions will represent Bolton in bars ­— and in people's drinks cabinets up and down the country ­— in the same way Edinburgh and London gins do.

The new label even features an elephant and castle ­— in a nod to Bolton's famous crest.

Mr Welsh said: “It has been a real journey along the way, lots of tasting sessions and saying 'don’t ask just drink'.

“It was a proud moment when we could say we’re legal and ready to go. Now it’s just gone mad.”

The Horwich-based company is specialising in the more unusually flavoured gins, with the marshmallow, blackjack and dandelion and burdock flavours proving popular among new customers so far.

Mr Welsh said: “We’re the only people crazy enough to make a blackjack gin. People are really enthused by the different flavours.”

The company is planning to open a shop front at the end of June in Weavers Corner in Horwich.