A HALF-A-MILLION pound investment plan that involved moving to Carrville, in Durham, has paid off for Jennings Ford.

Just over a year ago, Jennings Ford relocated from the group's former Neville's Cross branch in Durham to a new car showroom at Carrville.

The branch also incorporates a service and parts department, bodyshop and RapidFit centre.

Nicky Dalkin, after-sales director for the Jennings Ford group, said; "Our main aim was to ensure the new branch was customer focused and, judging by the increase in showroom traffic and positive comments from customers, I can confidently say that we have successfully achieved our objective.

"The main contributing factor to the success of this branch is definitely the location. Situated just off the A690, we are ideally located for easy access to the city centre and major road links including the A1(M) and A19."

Jennings Ford is the region's largest Ford dealer, with branches at Durham, Washington, South Shields, Gateshead, Morpeth, Stockton and Middlesbrough.