WHEN Cleveleys cab owner takes the wheel of his gold-painted taxi, he feels like the King of the Road.

For Bill's gleaming new vehicle is only one of 100 built by London Taxis International of Coventry to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee .

Fifty of the limited edition, which have been given the Midas touch with special paintwork, insignia and upholstery, are on the streets of London. The rest have been sold in different parts of the country. Bill's is one of only two in the north west and the only one on the Fylde coast.

"I saw the cab for sale in a showroom in Liverpool and I knew I had to have it. Eventually, we did a deal," says Bill.

The princely taxi has joined other vehicles owned by Bill as part of the 50-strong fleet of Ace Radio Cabs of Victoria Road, Cleveleys.

Ace Cabs director Derek Nuttall said: "We are striving all the time to improve our company's service to the public and Bill's new cab is certainly helping to do that. Some passengers have been seen hanging around a taxi rank just waiting to get a ride in it."

The vehicle can cater for wheelchair passengers and is also popular for weddings and other special occasions.

Officials at Wyre Borough Council are delighted with the arrival of this touch of class.

Robin Atkinson, divisional manager responsible for taxi licensing said: "We have been working well with the local taxi trade for some time to improve the overall quality of the taxi fleet in Wyre.

"This Jubilee version of the traditional London cab represents the gold standard in terms of customer comfort, convenience and safety. It is a valuable addition to the fleet in Wyre."