A SMALL factory in Bamber Bridge, near Preston, is the only firm in the world producing something with a decidedly 50s feel - bubble cars.

The almost-comic-looking three wheelers are being made by fanatics Rick Edwards and Dave Chapman who set up their company just 15 months ago when their fascination for relics got the better of them.

Bubble cars were first produced just after WWII when factories and equipment were limited.

They were built from bits of old motorcycles and aircraft. Dave and Tick trade under the name Tritech from their Station Road base and now use more manageable fibreglass for the cars.

They employ four full-time staff and boast customers from all over the globe, with new orders coming in from Europe and America all the time. Rick said: "They are fun cars. They seem to be popular in Japan. They have gained cult status."

Among those with an interest in the mini motors is Radio One DJ Mark Radcliffe. Rick said: "He seems extremely interested in the concept."

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