Top award for Burnley solicitor who discovered his talent after clipping the wings of his pilot dreams

But when he discovered that all the science that goes with it were not really his forte, but he loved law, he changed direction.

And it has certainly paid off, for at the age of 32 and just two years after launching his own company Zafar has won his first award.

Eaton Adams solicitors was named as Lancashire's Best Personal Injury law firm by SME News, a quarterly digital publication aimed at those who run or assist in the running of small and medium-sized businesses within the UK.

Described as celebrating the 'hard working and dedicated individuals and legal firms across the UK' Zafar was both thrilled and surprised to receive the award.

He said: "Judges work to very stringent guidelines and criteria when choosing their winners.

"I was absolutely elated when I was received the news that my company had won especially when we were being judged against so many other companies in the county."

Zafar, who grew up in Nelson and was a student at the former Edge End High School and Nelson and Colne College, knew he faced a challenge setting up on his own.

He added: " Burnley has so many well established law firms who are practically household names so I did think long and hard about if it was the right move for me.

"But it has been the best thing I ever did and my success is a credit to my team but also the people of Burnley and Pendle who have given me a chance as the business is doing so well."

Working from Business First in the town's Liverpool Road, Zafar also believes his approachability is another key to his success.

He said: "A big part of this job is making people at ease talking to you, they need to have trust in you."

A graduate of the Bradford College University Centre Law School, Zafar's company sponsors Nelson FC Ladies and he is keen to be part of the community, where he still lives with Nafees his wife of two years, who also works for the company.

The eldest of five children, Zafar worked at the former GUS mail order catalogue company call centre in Burnley to fund his legal studies. Zafar then worked at a number of different law firms in Lancashire before branching out alone.

He recalls being asked by a tutor at college what his ambitions were and even then Zafar knew he wanted to be his own boss and he had even come up with his company name!

He added: "I wanted something that sounded solid with some gravitas that people could trust."

Zafar intends to grow his company and is also keen to prioritise employment and opportunities for local law students.