By Charley Morgan NEVER being afraid of doing the menial tasks has allowed Howard Edgington to go from being employed by his father, to being his own boss.

Mr Edgington, 47, founder of Howard Travel, in Church Walk, Trowbridge, started out working after school as an office boy aged only 11 in the travel agency his dad managed in Devon.

At the time, all he wanted was to save up for his own car, and by the age of 17 he was behind the wheel of his own Vauxhall Viva.

Mr Edgington left full-time education soon after and went to work at Pickfords, the removal company, which also operated as a travel agency, as their youngest ever manager.

He maintains that the best experience he had was doing the menial tasks in his father's office such as stamping brochures and sorting post, because it taught him the basics.

"Lots of people ignore the basics, but I know how to motivate my staff because I've done it all myself at one time," he said.

Looking after his staff is another of Mr Edgington's key priorities.

Many of his staff have left management positions at other companies to come and work as travel clerks for him as they enjoy working there more.

Two of his staff have been working for him for more than 20 years.

Howard Travel was set up in 1987 with just Howard and his father running the business he now employs 23 people.

Mr Edgington said he also makes sure that he supports local organisations such as a youth rugby team and various schools.

He said: "If you expect local people to use your shop, then you should support other local businesses."