Moray Council has issued its first licence plate for a special events stretch limo.

The gold-coloured plate was handed over to Colin Devos, boss of the Burghead-based Platinum Limo Company. The plate will be affixed to the 31ft long chauffeur-driven Lincoln  limousine which Mr Devos hires out for special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties and corporate entertainment

His services have also been called on to take newborn babies and their mums home from hospital in style.

The licence plating will allow the police and licensing authority to tell at a glance that the vehicle has been granted a licence for special events.

Moray Council agreed earlier this year to introduce a licensing scheme to ensure that vehicles used for special events comply with regulations and that the health and safety of the public is not compromised.

Mr Devos’s vehicle is only 18 months old but it had to undergo stringent inspection before being granted a licence.

Licensing conditions stipulate the maximum number of passengers and a seating plan of the interior of the vehicle also has to be submitted.

The conditions also demand that children under 12 are accompanied by a responsible adult.

Drivers of stretch limos used for special events also require to be licensed to ensure their suitability.

Mr Devos, 41, who has been in the limo hire business for three years, welcomed the licensing regime.

“If anything I am surprised it was not introduced sooner,” he said. “It will help to protect the public from unscrupulous operators.”

Moray licensing committee chairman Councillor Ron Shepherd said: “I am delighted to see the first of these plates being issued.

“It provides peace of mind for all those using limos and it recognises the very professional standard to which licensed operators are working.”