A limousine company with the name of Angel came to the rescue when a teenager's surprise night out looked to be in ruins, writes David Horne.

Becky Mulliss and her eight friends all ended up going to London in the same stretch limo used by top pop band Steps.

The 18th birthday surprise for the Carterton teenager turned out be "brilliant" - but just a few hours before everything looked like a disaster.

Becky's parents, Sue and Rowan Mulliss, had arranged for an Oxford-based chauffeur company to pick up Becky and her friends from their home in Garner Close. Sue said: "It was supposed to be a complete surprise for Becky. A limo to pick up her and her friends, a meal on the way, and then a night out clubbing in London.

"But the firm we hired said their vehicle had broken down - and that was 5pm on the night, just a few hours before they were due to arrive.

"We tried Yellow Pages and, after a few phone calls, struck lucky with this firm called Angels in Surrey.

"We were rescued at the last moment. They had a brilliant time - and we'd like to thank the driver who kept them amused with stories about famous people he had driven about." Angel Limousines Ltd, at Blackwater, Surrey, were able to fit in Becky's group in between taking the band Steps to a gig at Wembley stadium.

After delivering them to a club in London, the driver went back to Wembley to pick up the band. And then it was back to see the girls home.

Blair Hampton, managing director of Angels, said: "Although Carterton was a fair drive away, we had a limo free in between jobs. If we can help people out, we will do our best. We realise that all the jobs that we do are special occasions."

Limo driver Nick Oakley has chauffeured many TV, film and pop celebrities. Becky, a pupil at Wood Green school, Witney, said: "The surprise was ruined, but we had a brilliant time in the end.

"We had a really good girly night out and got home about 5.30am."

Story date: Wednesday 08 December

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