MOTOR repair businesses are offering discounted repairs and servicing for hospice care staff who are reliant on their cars when visiting clients with terminal illnesses.

Motor repair firms in Northallerton and Richmond have agreed to offer discounted MOT's, repairs and servicing for care staff working for the Thirsk-based Herriot Hospice Homecare group.

The firms' generosity has been praised by Herriot Hospice Homecare chief executive Tony Collins, who said care staff cover around 270,000 miles per year, travelling to families, affected by an individual with a terminal illness.

Mr Collins said: “One of the things that matters most to so many people in our community is being able to stay in their own home – our specially trained healthcare assistants make this possible by visiting patients in their own homes to provide support in their final weeks and days.

“The support of local garages as part of this recent initiative is a wonderful example of how our community truly enables our team to go the extra mile for people who need, want and deserve our vital services.

“We would like to thank these businesses for so generously supporting our team of healthcare assistants by offering discounted rates for essential services such as MOT's."

The hospice came up with the idea to ask nearby businesses to join its 'extra mile' scheme in February.

Since then, Northallerton based, JW 4x4, and Oaktree Garage, along with Richmondshire-based, Richmond Motor Services, have 'opted-in' to offer the discounts.

Richmond Motor Services' owner and director, Andrew Townson, said: "With the hard work and dedication that staff provide people in their homes, during the last weeks and days of life, it is only right, that we as a company try our best to look after the staff that help others.

"It is important that they have their vehicles in great working order to be able to attend work and to be able to drive to people that need them most – it is not a requirement to offer discount to people that give to others, but an honor to be able to do so, as they are angels in our eyes."

Mr Collins of the hospice added: "We are humbled by this outpouring of support for our team, with local people and businesses taking Herriot to their heart."