A LEADING car dealership and garage which has operated in the Bedale area for the past 93 years is closing at the end of the month.

John Gill Limited of Aiskew, was originally started in 1923 when Jack Gill was demobbed from the Royal Flying Corps following the First World War.

Jack died in 1965 seven years after his wife Annie, leaving their two sons John and Maurice to look after the garage with a repair and a taxi business.

John went on his own in 1968 developing the company to include a forecourt, new workshop and car showrooms as they moved into car sales with the first franchise Daihatsu in 1981.

This was followed with the Alfa Romeo, Trooper and Jeep brands which were all successful in their own right along with used vehicles. John’s son Bryan and daughter Carol joined the business in the 1980s and still run the business as directors to this day.

In more recent times Mercedes-Benz authorised repairer was added to the portfolio under Carol’s partner, director Gareth Frank.

John Gill said: “The decision to cease trading comes on the back of varying changes in the retail motor industry along with the Directors wish to pursue other avenues.

“The directors and staff wish to thank all customers for their loyalty, trust and support over the last 93 years.”