A FAMILY-run business in Clitheroe has been awarded a contract with energy drink brand Red Bull to convert a fleet of ‘Wings’ Minis.

James Alpe Ltd was tasked with cutting the roof off new Minis, fitting body kits that included a fridge and a giant Red Bull can, and applying complex paint jobs.

“We were invited to go down to London and present to Red Bull at their UK headquarters just by London Bridge,” James said.

“The whole company ethos is cool and trendy and, unusually, their UK headquarters is in a pub.”

The company won the contract after demonstrating its skills.

James added: “We had carried out specialist Mini conversions for another company last year and we were able to use this as a case study in our presentation.”

Three of nine Minis have been converted so far.

The fleet will be used by Red Bull to promote its energy drinks by a team of ‘Wings’ drivers across the UK.

James said: “Red Bull were looking for a long-term partner to work with giong forward. They have hundreds of projects on at any one time so who knows what we could be working on next.”

The company has had a recruitment drive in the last six months - now employing around 70 members of staff - due to the increase in volume of work.

James said: "Our core business is accident repair. We are a bodyshop and repair cars and specialist and unusual vehicles.

“We also have a vehicle conversions company on site, where we build cells which go in the back of police vehicles and all sort of other conversions for the police, prison service, Ministry of Defence and moutain rescue organisations. We revel in diversity and innovation - I know it sounds cheesy, but we really do.”

James has been running the company for 30 years and admits he is still happier in the workshop than doing presentation at Red Bull’s headquarters - during which he was banned from wearing business attire.

“Working on the Minis has been fantastic for the lads in the workshop, who are more used to repairing conventional cars so it’s really given the place a buzz,” he added.