Transit van aficionados were out in force this weekend to showcase their customised vehicles and blinking lights as part of their monthly meet up.

Members of Transit Passion Owners Club UK rallied in numbers to Tesco Extra in Watford on Saturday evening to admire one another’s transformed vans and trade gossip.

Transit Passion is a Ford Transit enthusiasts club whose Watford chapter was started by Mark Coates in July 2017.

Watford Observer:

Inside Mr Coates's Star Wars themed van

He decided to start the group after the death of his mother found him trying to occupy his free time. While browsing Facebook one day, he discovered a “vans with lights” page in the South East and decided to join.

Wishing for something similar closer to home, Mr Coates created Transit Passion Owners Club and set about transforming his own van to have a Star Wars theme complete with Luke Skywalker seating, Yoda green lighting and a “Rogue One” number plate.

Watford Observer:

Mr Coates's 'Rogue One' Transit van

Mark’s wife Kirsty said: “The club for Mark and I is an outlet, a social event to look forward to every month.

“We have made some great friends through the group who we view more as family than friends really.

“Help and advice is always available but not always about vans. You can chat freely about anything and everything.

“The events we go to throughout the year are like mini holidays with your favourite people. Not everyone wants to go abroad or sit on a beach. Some take a caravan, some tents, some sleep in their vans. We are like a small community.”

Watford Observer:

Mr Coates's 'Rogue One' Transit van

Mrs Coates said the club’s “family friendly atmosphere” had added to its popularity which has seen its members jump to more than 3,000 people on Facebook.

Advice about spare parts, van repairs, engine fixes, welding or custom paint jobs is also available.

Members attend various shows throughout the year including Transitmania at Santa Pod, TruckFest, Modified Nationals, Wings & Wheels, Truxx Factor at Rockingham raceway and Old Skool.

The club has picked up trophies for Best Club Stand, Best Modified van, Best in Light show, Best MK 6, Best Mk 8 and Best Day Van.

The next Transit Passion meeting will be on March 9 from 6pm.

Transit Passion Owners Club UK Facebook page https://m.facebook.com/groups/1908465562500846?ref=share