Norfolk-based fruit and vegetable merchant CC Wells has taken on a low-height Mercedes-Benz Antos 26-tonner.

The Antos 2536 LnR ENA has replaced a Mercedes-Benz 18-tonner and arrived via the Norwich branch of Dealer Orwell Truck & Van.

It is the subject of a CharterWay contract hire agreement from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.

The six-wheeler is fitted with an insulated curtainside body and Thermo King refrigeration unit.

The truck has a steering rear axle for enhanced manoeuvrability; unusually for an LnR variant with low frame height, this has been engineered by Mercedes-Benz so that it can also be lifted when running light, allowing the operator to reduce tyre wear.

For five nights a week, starting at 6pm, it is used for journeys from Dereham, stopping off regularly at Shouldham Thorpe, near Downham Market, to pick up herbs and salad leaves, and making other collections along the way, before reaching London's New Covent Garden Market at around 9.30pm.

Once at the UK market, CC Wells senior director Steve Pegrum buys fruit and vegetables while his colleague distributes the produce they have brought with them.

CC Wells supplies fruit and vegetables on a wholesale basis to schools, colleges, shops, cafés, restaurants and other caterers, and sells direct to the public five days a week at markets across Norfolk.

Pegrum works alongside son Darren, the company’s sales and warehouse manager, and daughter Siobhan, a sales assistant.