Bosses at construction firm Hughes Bros accepted an invitation from Makerfield MP Ian McCartney to meet Gordon Brown in Downing Street.
The Prime Minister later hailed the firm and its managing director, John Hughes, as a "shining example" of local enterprise investing in the local community.

Over the past year the company has helped more than 30 local people secure employment in the North West.
Mr Brown also praised Mr Hughes for his ground-breaking work in Wigan and Greater Manchester. Downing Street advisers have invited him back for further discussions.

Mr McCartney said: "Hughes Bros has a great reputation in the Wigan area and is a shining example of success of local entrepreneurship.
"I am delighted the Prime Minister has recognised the work of Hughes Bros and other local companies who invest in the citizens of Wigan borough."

He added he now hoped the Prime Minister's event would help him in encouraging investment in the borough, particularly in places like Ashton town centre.

Hughes Brothers was formed in 1995 by Mike Hughes and his sons John and Mike from Platt Bridge. They now have three offices in the Wigan area, serving the whole of the North West.

Hughes Bros employs Wigan people and for the past three years has offered work placements leading to full-time employment in the construction industry.

The firm has close ties with local authorities in Wigan, St Helens and Bolton and also works with Hindley Young Offenders Institution to train young offenders in prison construction workshops.