JED THIRKELL has been appointed to the sales team at Jennings Subaru's dealership in Cargo Fleet Lane, Middlesbrough.

The 43-year-old, from Darlington, has more than 27 years experience in the motor industry since leaving school at 16.

His first job was at an independent garage in Crook, County Durham, where he became a mechanic.

He then began working in the parts department of a retail auto accessory dealer in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, before moving into sales.

Before joining Jennings, he worked for ten years at another Subaru dealership in Richmond, North Yorkshire.