A GWENT taxi firm is bringing a touch of London to the Wye Valley. First Call has acquired its first London-style cab for its business in Chepstow.

Terry Adams, who established First Call Taxis last year, has bought a TX1 vehicle from dealer Mann & Overton in Bristol.

Mr Adams said: "The vast majority of the vehicles licensed as hackney carriages in this area are saloon cars but we found that it was becoming more and more difficult to meet the demands of larger groups of passengers.

"We were also aware of the potential for work transporting wheelchair-based passengers but wanted a reliable vehicle that would hold its value." He said the London cab can hold up to six people in comfort and can accommodate wheelchairs.

"We've won a contract from our local social services department for this type of work and are much more able to accommodate the needs of all our passengers."

Mr Adams said be believes Monmouthshire county council is set to bring in tighter regulations requiring all taxis to be wheelchair accessible and he plans to replace his whole fleet with the black cabs.

*PICTURED: Sarah Hunt and Terry Adams, of First Call, with the new taxi.