SINCE being founded in 2006 Great Escape Classic Car Hire has gone from strength to strength.

The firm, which rents and leases classic cars to clients looking to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, wedding or other special occasion, started with just two cars – a Jensen Interceptor and an Alfa Romeo Spider.

The fleet now covers everything from 1950s Morris Minors to modern Jaguars and comprises more than 60 cars.

It has operations in Devon, Yorkshire and the Cotswolds plus a network of smaller owner operated sites in Shropshire, Leeds, the Peak District and even France.

The firm, owned by Graham and Janine Eason, is now he UK's largest classic car hire company.

It has recently expanded and moved from Astwood Bank Business Park to new premises at Dunlop Road, Hunt End.

Speaking about the move Mr Eason said: “With the business growing fast we had outgrown our Astwood Bank base – Dunlop Road gives us much more space from which to service our customers. In particular, that was needed because we have expanded into classic car restoration.

“We have had our own workshop for a while and decided that, since we maintain our own high mileage classic car hire fleet, we should also be a safe, reputable and knowledgeable resource for other classic car owners. This is a side of the business we are working hard at.”

He added: “We remain committed to the original idea of a business run by enthusiasts that is all about personal service."

Ben Truslove, from Redditch property agents John Truslove, said: “Great Escape is an exciting business with plenty of glamour attached to it.

“These are fantastic classic cars, like E-Type Jaguars, which are still in huge demand – to drive one is a car lover’s dream.

"We are pleased we were able to help.”

Daily hire prices range from £95 for an Alfa Romeo Spider Black to £349 for a Jaguar E-Type V12 Convertible.