A CLASSIC car fan who bought his first Mini aged 13 with money from his paper round has opened a garage specialising in the iconic motors.

Ross Thomas, 35, of Newport, spent hundreds of hours restoring the orange and black Mini 1000 he had bought for £140.

The Bettws Comprehensive student had to wait till he had his licence before he could drive the 1980 model.

Now the dad of one has decided to share his passion for classic cars by opening a garage in Woodside Way, Cwmbran, called Thomas Classic & Modern.

Mr Thomas said: “Nobody in the area takes care of classic cars with that background. It’s a niche market.”

The garage will fix vintage and modern cars, and not just Minis, and is to have a mini classic car show during its official opening day on October 4.