Post-lockdown trippers have boosted a road-side cafe near Chippenham.

The Pit Stop has seen hundreds more customers heading out to Devon and Cornwall.

The enterprising drive-in, just off Junction 17 of the M4 in Wiltshire, served around 500 extra customers in the first week that serving food outdoors was permitted.

General manager Lee Fenn, who put up a pop- up marquee for extra customer comfort, said he had been prepared for an increase in passing trade but the result had taken him by surprise.

“We experienced an immediate increase in covers from Monday onwards as everyone seemed to be heading for Devon and Cornwall, either on business or for pleasure and trade was certainly boosted by our new high-speed electric car charging facility,” he said.

The Chippenham Pit Stop has been praised by the Road Haulage Association for the industry benchmark when it comes to customer care.