SOME believe washing their car brings rain - so right now should be boom time for two York entrepreneurs.

Craig Johnson and Colin Armstrong, otherwise known as The Car Wash Guys, of Netherwindings, Haxby, began their mobile valeting venture in January.

Together they invested £7,500, in items including equipment and specialised cleaning products necessary to ensure that cars are spotless inside and out.

Now, scores of gleaming vehicles later, and with a marketing campaign that is targeting businesses as well as individual car owners, they are predicting a turnover of up to £40,000 for next year.

That is why they are entrants in the New Business Of The Year category of The Press Business Of The Year Awards 2007.

Both are members of the British Valeters organisation. They are armed with public liability insurance, and are soon to be equipped with mobile chip and pin methods of payment.

Craig said: "I was at Sainsbury's for 16 years - latterly on the meat aisle at Monks Cross, because I am a qualified butcher - and Colin was there for eight years as night staff.

"We were both passionate about cars, frequenting car clubs and shows throughout the UK, and we left because we were confident that a mobile valeting service would meet the needs of many people who just don't have time to clean their cars."

The duo also offer specialist cleaning services.

With the recent deluge throughout Yorkshire, they now expect orders to pour in for their specialised restoration of flood-damaged car interiors. "We have already had inquiries from flood-hit Sheffield," said Craig.

The two men have bombarded York businesses with 12,000 flyers, and launched their own website, www.thecarwashguys.co.uk, which shows a range of prices, depending on the size of car and type of valeting wanted.