Two new Mercedes-Benz Sprinters have the competition well and truly licked on their ice cream rounds in and around Leicester.

The striking pink and white Mr Whippy vans are owned by Dipak Davda, one of the area's best-loved ice cream sellers, who has been in the business for more than 30 years.

City dealer Mertrux supplied the 313CDI Short chassis cabs, which were then sent to Crewe-based Whitby Morrison, the world's leading manufacturer of ice cream vans. As well as building the vehicle bodies and applying their colourful liveries, the firm also installed soft ice cream and Slush machines, a freezer for ice lollies and a chiller for ice cream mix and drinks.

Replacements for a pair of older Mercedes-Benz Sprinters which Dipak sold privately, the new arrivals have lined up alongside his two remaining Sprinters, which he bought a couple of years ago.

The finished vehicles cost in excess of £72,000 apiece. As well as making regular rounds and turning out for local events such as steam rallies and car boot sales, the new vans can also be found at places of interest such as the National Space Centre, in Leicester.

Dipak will also be on duty with one of his new vehicles at this year's Mercedes-Benz Van Experience, a ride-and-drive event attended by hundreds of existing and prospective customers, which is being staged at the Prodrive test track near Kenilworth, Warwickshire, from 14-25 June - he is the 'official' ice cream seller for the two-week extravaganza.

Dipak founded his business in 1979. He has tried other makes of van down the years but always returned to the famous three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz. 

"I come back to the Sprinter for a number of reasons," he explained. "It's easy and comfortable to drive, outstandingly reliable, and I always receive a great service from the team at Mertrux.

"As far as I'm concerned," he adds, "the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter leaves the competition out in the cold!"