A DARLINGTON car dealership and repair centre has received a national award for customer service.

Sherwoods, in Chesnut Street, was presented with a 2002 customer service award by Provident Insurance.

The company makes the awards to vehicle accident repair centres in the UK.

It is given to those centres which can get customers' vehicles back on the road with minimum inconvenience and maximum care.

Sherwoods had to demonstrate its commitment, knowledge and ability to give good customer service in all aspects of its work.

Brian Marshall, regional motor engineer at Provident Insurance, praised the work of Sherwoods, saying that customer satisfaction was paramount.

He said that customers must also be able to rely on the highest quality of workmanship and levels of service.

Mr Marshall presented the customer service award to Alasdair MacConachie, managing director of Sherwoods.

Mr MacConachie said: "It is excellent that the hard work and commitment of our staff has been recognised in this way."

Sherwoods has invested considerably in modern vehicle body repair equipment and the latest estimating systems, as well as the provision of courtesy cars.