CAR rental company Hertz has opened its first European #1 Club Gold VIP lounge - with help from Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave.

The lounge, opened at London Heathrow Airport, features a BT Open Zone, which provides a wireless connection to the internet.

The company describes its Hertz #1 Club Gold as a time-saving rental service aimed at speeding up the rental process for frequent travellers.