FGH Security, on the White Cross Industrial Estate, became one of only a handful of companies to be offered a full investment by all five dragons on the popular BBC programme on Monday night.

When it came to the crunch though, Peter Harrison, FGH managing director, and Wesley Downham, FGH business director, chose to give Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones a joint stake of 20 per cent of their business in return for £100,000.

Peter, 27, who lives in Lancaster, said: "We couldn't believe it at first to be honest.

"We've always believed in ourselves and our services, but to have five of the country's key business personalities attempting to be part of FGH is one of those things that you don't really believe is happening at the time."

Peter and Wesley met as door supervisors at clubs in Manchester, and when Peter went to study at Lancaster University, the pair decided there were opportunities to set up a business in this area.

Wesley, 32, from Catterall, added: "We're really happy.


"I don't think people realise how much pressure you're put under once the dragons start firing questions at you.

"We knew our pitch inside out though and had answers to most of their questions to hand.

"I think it was probably our honesty that got us through it. It's the stuff dreams are made of."

FGH provide door security for over 90 per cent of the bars and clubs in the city and also at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, and at the White Cross.

They employ 230 staff, and turn over around £2 million per year. They also won best door supervision company in the country last year.