A comment made between four friends while stuck on a minibus in London traffic has now seen them go into business together.

Minibus driver John Burton was driving his wife, Sam, and her friends to her hen-do in London when they found themselves stuck in traffic for around five and a half hours.

Also on board was chaperone Ben Smissen and his wife Kate.

Due to the delays, the majority of the night was spent on the minibus, but with the music playing and drinks flowing, a good time was still had.

Mr Smissen said: “After a couple of beers, someone suggested a party bus and we said that’s a brilliant business idea.”

A month later, the foursome have bought a vehicle and launched Starlight Travel, offering one of the only party coaches in Kent.

The bus, suitable for stag-parties, hen-dos, birthdays, airport hire, children’s parties, Christmas transport, corporate events, and the like, can seat 28 people.

Mrs Burton said: “We realised there was nothing like this in Kent, especially for large group bookings.”

Kitted out with lasers, strobe lights, a digital jukebox and leather seating, the bus has all the ingredients for a good night out.

When hired, it comes with a fully licensed driver and a chaperone.

They have already secured bookings for a night out to Brighton and an airport run.

Mrs Burton said: “We really want it to be diverse. People can tell us what they want and we will try and accommodate it.”

The two couples have six children between them and see this new venture as an escape from their everyday lives.

Mrs Smissen, a midwife in Margate, said: “One of the reasons we wanted to go into business with Sam and John is because of the jobs we do.”

Mr Smissen earns a living as a window cleaner, Mr Burton is a full time mini bus driver and Mrs Burton is also a midwife.

Mrs Smissen added: “We all want to bring some fun into our lives and we want to bring fun into other people’s lives.”

As an introductory offer, until November 30, Starlight Travel is offering a one-hour drive around your local area for £140, which works out £5 each for 28 people. The offer is subject to availability.

For inquiries call 07464 785445 or email info@starlightpartybus.co.uk

To find out more visit www.starlightpartybus.co.uk

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