THE New Year has brought a double celebration for garage technician Jimmy Goldsmith.

The 54-year-old, of Silksworth, Sunderland, became a grandfather for the first time and also clocked up 30 years working for car dealer Reg Vardy.

Mr Goldsmith, who is one of the company's longest-serving employees, works at Reg Vardy Renault, in Stoneygate, near Houghton-le-Spring.

He started in 1973 and worked at the company's original site opposite his current workplace. Over the years, he has done a variety of jobs including road testing and workshop control.

Mr Goldsmith said: "I've had complete job satisfaction, seeing cars driven, towed or pushed in and sending them back out fixed and ready for the road. In many ways the company is unrecognisable from what it was 30 years ago. It's grown so much.

"The progress has been unbelievable, but even though we now have 70 franchises there's still very much that feeling of being part of a family firm.

"If my back and knees hold out, I'm planning to be here for another ten years to make 40.''

The firm's chief executive, Sir Peter Vardy, said: "I really appreciate Jimmy's commitment and enthusiasm over the years and the loyalty he has shown to Reg Vardy.''