A PUB landlord has launched his own taxi firm so customers can get home at night.

Martin Coleman, owner of the Village Inn at Brompton, near Northallerton, drove taxis for seven years in the Richmond and Catterick area 20 years ago.

His first licensed pub taxi hit the road last week.

Mr Coleman said: "I'm taking the expertise and knowledge of both industries and combining them.

"There is a shortage of taxis in Northallerton, and customers find it hard to get taxis home, so we thought we would start up our own.

"Our aim is to get people home safely at night. I have a licence, but I have other work to do, so the taxis will be driven by members of staff."

Mr Coleman hopes to have another three taxis operating soon.