ABOUT 15 2CV drivers pulled up in their little Citroens outside Jeff Colmer's Romsey workshop to mark its opening after a major refit.

When Jeff, 50, set up his 2CV repairs business there six years ago his workshop was nothing more than a chicken shed.

But now the 2CV fan - who is also a member of the Southampton and District 2CV club - can enjoy the luxury of a brand new workshop.

Jeff, who has six 2CVs of his own, said: "After I bought one about 12 years ago I got really hooked. They're just different and I love the people that drive them too.

"It's a really good social life - I've ended up with friends all over the world and it's taken me all over Europe."

Jeff and his wife Nicki, 48, have taken their cars - including a Dyane, a 1953 model and a 1978 435cc model - on rallies to the Arctic Circle, Finland, Greece, Holland, Slovenia and Austria.

Jeff, who works at the Wynford Industrial Estate in Sandy Lane, Belbins, did an apprenticeship as a mechanic as a teenager but gave up halfway through and became a driver.

He was then made redundant but after buying his first 2CV he decided to take up where he left off.

Jeff said: "I've been working in the middle of a building site for a year while all the units were knocked down and rebuilt, so it's a lot better and I can work inside which is a real bonus in the winter."

After the opening Jeff and his fellow club members drove off on a mini 2CV rally around the Romsey area.