A NEW American-style diner is creating something of a “buzz” in Bury.

Meals on wheels has taken on distinct new meaning for 23-year-old Reece Barlow who secured a £6,000 Government loan to convert a caravan to spearhead the launch his Bumble’s Diner business.

Located in Bury New Road, Heap Bridge, the brightly-coloured static vehicle serves as both a restaurant and takeaway and is allowing the young Ramsbottom man to find his feet in his first sole business venture.

Reece is among the latest batch of young business fledglings to receive vital cash from the Government-backed loans initiative. He was awarded £6,000 from the UK Start-Up Loans for Young People initiative which paved the way for him to fulfil his diner dream.

“The loan has helped pay for everything,” said Reece, “including buying the caravan for £400, converting it into a diner, the appliances and advertising. I will pay back the loan over the next five years.”

Before deciding to set up his own business, Reece had worked in a call centre for two years and had also been involved in the fast food industry, working in a kitchen and also as a staff trainer. He constantly harboured the hope that one day he would be able to become his own boss.

“Working in the call centre wasn’t challenging and I’d no prospects. I wanted to go into business and to prove to myself and others that I could set up on my own and be successful,” he added.

“Because I had previously worked in the food industry, I wanted to do something like this and the £6,000 loan has really helped me. I bought the static caravan, stripped it out and converted into an American-style diner, offering home-cooked food, snacks as well as hot and cold drinks. The caravan is painted yellow and black in the colours of a bee, hence the name Bumble’s.”

Thanks to the conversion work, the 32ft long and 12ft wide diner can seat up to 20 people and also offers a takeaway service.