BRIDES looking to add a sprinkle of Samba style to their big day can call on a new Andover-based company.

Samba Weddings, set up by Lisa Tompkins and Darren Adams, who live in Jutland Crescent, is aiming to break the traditional classic-car monopoly on weddings by offering an alternative carriage – their award-winning VW Type 2 bus.

Nicknamed ‘Archie’, the mint-and-velvet green split-screen Samba has won a total of eight awards on the show circuit, including the Split Screen Van Club’s Van of the Year award for 2008 and has featured in several VW magazines.

Every interior detail has been tuned to a bride’s exacting eye.

Archie has custom-made venetian blinds, surf-style table and banjo steering wheel finishing off the elegant atmosphere.

Lisa said: “I have always dreamed of running a wedding car hire service and wanted to own a classic Volkswagen Samba, and now this has become reality as we’ve put the two key elements together.

“Archie will certainly be the flagship of our fleet.

“He already has a special place in my heart.

“As a child, my granddad used to sing me a song called ‘Archie’s Song’, which is the reason I knew this was the van for me and for the business.”

Lisa and Darren are already lining up additions to the fleet by adding other classic air-cooled VW buses and Beetles.

“I have realised my dream,” said Lisa.” And she added “I am hoping Samba Weddings will make other couples dreams come true by providing them with a fantastically presented Samba for one of the most special days in their life.”