A PETROL station has been taken over after its owner decided to retire.

Fencehouses Service Station in Houghton Le Spring, County Durham has been bought by North-East based independent operator, Penny Petroleum Group for an undisclosed price.

It includes a forecourt shop and has two tenants providing rental income, a long standing car sales firm and a pizza takeaway business.

The sale was handled by business property advisor Christie & Co’s Newcastle office.

David Penny of Penny Petroleum Group, said: “We are very pleased to welcome this site on board, we believe it has great potential and will fit well within Penny Petroleum.

“We already have plans in place that will see us add more services, invest in new equipment and extend product ranges.

“We are looking forward to seeing this site develop and grow.”

Last year Penny Petroleum took over the Sadberge Service Station on the A66 on the outskirts of Darlington.

The service station’s revamped toilets - decorated with penny pieces - later went on to win ‘Loo of the year’ at a national awards ceremony.