RAIL passengers joining the rush-hour commute are having their daily journey perked up by coffee lover Mark Lee-Kilgariff.

Mark’s striking orange coffee van Tatton Perk is already becoming an essential stop for early morning train travellers and business park employees.

Mark, 46, from Knutsford, launched his business only a few weeks ago in a 1976 Peugeot van after calling time on a 17-year career as a probation officer.

He decided he wanted a change, and despite nervousness about the major change in direction in his life is enjoying every minute of his new job serving high quality barista coffee.

“I finished as a probation officer on the Friday, and launched Tatton Perk on the following Monday,” said Mark.

“I was genuinely scared about whether I’d made the right decision, but I’ve had lots of people coming back, and it has been really enjoyable.

“I like being outdoors, being able to make my own decisions and the feeling that my success is entirely down to me.

“However the thing that really makes it worthwhile is when people go out of their way to come back and tell me how great their drink was.”

Mark chose the name for his business because of the play on the name Tatton Park, and the fact that a cup of coffee can perk up your day.

The name is also a nod to Central Perk, a fictional coffee shop in the American series Friends.

Mark’s Peugeot has been given a new lease of life after being lovingly restored inside and out.

“My Peugeot J7 had been a rusty, decrepit non-runner for many years, but is gorgeous now after loads of work and a spray tan, and is really beautiful inside,” said Mark.

“I chose the van because for my business I wanted something unique, and Knutsford likes that kind of quirkiness.”

Tatton Perk is at Knutsford Railway Station on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6.30am to 11am, and Booths Park business park on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7.30am and 10.30am.

It also visits the Moor during the afternoons, depending on the weather.

“My wife and I used to sit in the park when our children were small and think ‘what I fancy is a coffee’,” added Mark.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me through my first few weeks, and thank you to all those customers who have taken the time to come back and compliment me on the coffee.

“All our takeaway cups and lids are plastic-free, plant-based and fully compostable, breaking down to a usable soil in 12 weeks in some circumstances.

“We also sell reusable cups and offer a discount to customers who bring their own cups, and offer loyalty cards.

“Alongside coffee we do a gorgeous range of cakes and our very popular ‘posh hot chocolate' - made by melting single origin chocolate discs into steamed milk.”