A VIP limousine company that transports the stars is expanding in the North-East.

A1 Stretch, which is well known for its long list of celebrity clients, is planning to expand its VIP service to the North-East.

The group, based in Hemel Hempstead, provides transport for celebrities including Jordan, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jodie Foster.

Started by former East End flower traders Eddie Ellis and Neil Percival, A1 Stretch - whose motto is "bigger and better by a long stretch" - is already one of the largest chauffeur companies in the country.

Mr Ellis said he believed the market for stretch limousine travel was ripe for exploitation, adding: "We are ten years behind the Americans in terms of using limousines - this is just the tip of the iceberg."

He is planning to launch a North-East operation, based in Middlesbrough, to carry VIPs and clients who would like to enjoy a memorable trip for a special occasion.

It is planned that the group will float on the stock market later this year.

Mr Ellis said: "Within three years, we want to double turnover and treble profits."

The group's fleet of cars and trucks includes stretch variants of the famous Hummer, designed for the US Army and advertised by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Bentley Arnage, the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, and even a US fire tender.