A YOUNG entrepreneur from Bolton-le-Sands who was bored of the daily grind has given up everything to run a mobile wine bar business.

Michael Elders, 25, has transformed a tired three-wheel Piaggio Ape van into a key component of his new venture.

Having completed a degree in construction management at the University of Central Lancashire, Mr Elders had been working at a Preston-based estate agent in property management.

However, he was bored of the routine and had always dreamt of going it alone and setting up his own business, which he has named Michelino's.

"I decided to give everything up, my job, my house - my life as I knew it, so I could set up my own business," he said.

Mr Elders, who has Italian grandparents and spends a lot of time visiting relatives in Italy, spotted the Vespa van on a trip to Abruzzo.

"Year after year we'd return to see the same old three wheel van parked under an olive tree, rotting away," he said. "As a lover of classic cars, it broke my heart to see a vehicle with so much potential go to waste.

"So I hatched a plan with my dad to bring it back from Italy to the UK on a trailer, and start work on restoring it and giving it a new lease of life as mobile wine bar."

Nearly six months later, the van is complete with a chiller and dispenser for Prosecco and beer on tap, a wine chiller and an ice trough.

Mr Elders is now ready to start trading and has a number of food and drink festivals lined up for the summer months.

He believes that the van will prove popular with weddings, hen parties and private celebrations held in people's gardens.

And he has also discovered and will be offering what he believes could well be the 'new Prosecco'.

"While in Italy I discovered a sparkling wine made by blending grapes with strawberries, which is absolutely delicious - and something you don't find here in the UK," he said. "So I've imported this wine and selling it online from my website, wholesale and also from my mobile bar. I really believe this could be the new Prosecco here in the UK."

Mr Elders will be making his first appearance with the van at the Lancaster Food and Drink Festival in May. Find out more at https://michelinos.co.uk/