A THRIVING Barry business, which is beginning to enjoy the fruits of its labour, was visited by the Secretary of State for Wales.

The Right Honourable Peter Hain started his 'Jobs and Prosperity Tour' at the Veg Rack, based in the Palmerston Industrial Estate.

Owners, Rose and Nigel Leigh, greeted the Welsh Secretary along with the Assembly's Minister for Health Jane Hutt.

The tour takes Peter Hain and Rhodri Morgan around Wales to highlight Labour's commitment to creating more better paid jobs, and to boost prosperity in the Principality.

The Veg Rack has been running for about 10 years.

Rose told the News: "We supply fresh fruit and prepared vegetables to schools and local pubs.

"We've launched a new idea where prepared fruit is vacuum packed for school. Children pay £1 and are given their choice of a variety over the week."

Employee, Sarah Vinnicombe, said: "I've been with the firm for about seven years.

This business is unusual because of the number of men employed in relation to the number of women. Out of eight people, apart from one delivery driver and Nigel, it's a totally female workforce."

Peter Hain said: "I am thrilled to see businesses thriving such as this one.

The future of employment in Wales is going to be based on people getting up and finding work through their own skills.

In this instance, women with families found their own way of working around term-time."

Jane Hutt said: "We are excited not only about the success of this business, but because of the innovative idea of snack-time fruit.

"As Health Minister I am sure this is a unique service throughout Wales, where young children are able to enjoy the benefits of fresh fruit.

Plus, it is a prime example of small businesses working in Wales."