THE driver of a flashy car is set to crack open the bubbly in style after being granted the first limousine liquor licence in South Ribble.

Dipak Chauhan, 38, of Far Field, Penwortham, is the lucky licensee after he was granted the licence by South Ribble Licensing Justices on Tuesday, May 14, to serve champagne and other alcohol in the back of his eight-seater, silver Lincoln limo.

The father-of-two, who works full-time as a fleet manager for Preston Community Transport, also enjoys a part-time job driving people to weddings and parties in his stretch limousine. He was even called upon to drive the FA Cup and PNE mascot Deepdale Duck to the Lilywhites' match against Everton two years ago.

Dipak said: "I am the first, but I won't be the last as everyone who uses the roads and serves alcohol will have to apply for a licence and comply with the law.

It was suggested Dipak apply for the licence by the police who are concerned that party revellers are taking advantage of the free champagne often supplied with the hire of limo and becoming intoxicated.

"At the moment I'm taking a lot of kids to prom nights around the schools. They only get completely alcohol free substitute champagne, so we are very careful," said Dipak.

He got into his business through a love of cars and he has just been to Florida to buy a specially made eight-seater, silver Lincoln with left hand drive.

"It has landed in Southampton and I'm going to collect it next week, it's a beauty I just have to sort out everything with customs," said Dipak.

If you wish to hire Dipak's limo you can call Luxury Limousines and Car Hire on 498834.