THE Darlington franchise of the collapsed South Cleveland Garages chain has new owners.

Former manager Neil Gibson confirmed yesterday that he had taken over the Mitsubishi franchise in McMullen Road with partners Bill Robson and George Ellis.

They will trade under the name Tees Valley Mitsubishi and employ 30 staff. Most are from the old franchise although some had found jobs elsewhere.

Darlington-based Williamson Motors has taken over the South Cleveland Peugeot franchise in Hartlepool, while Reg Vardy has taken over its Citroen franchise in Middlesbrough.

Angela Wrigglesworth, from receivers Price Waterhouse-Coopers, said no-one had offered to buy the entire South Cleveland business and the vast majority of the 300 staff had been made redundant.

"We are in the process of disposing of the firm's assets and marketing the freehold properties that the company owned," she said