A NATIONAL boom in car sales has been welcomed by East Lancashire dealers.

Last year saw more than 2.26million UK car sales - the highest level since 2007.

Burnley's Motorpoint said it had enjoyed ‘unprecendented levels of growth’ while Bowker BMW, in Blackburn, also enjoyed a boost in sales.

Motorpoint, based in Rosegrove Lane, said it experienced a 21.5 per cent increase in the number of new and nearly new cars it sold last year compared with 2012.

Nationally, the firm sold one car every 5.86 minutes.

Jon Grace, general manager of Motorpoint Burnley, said: “Motorpoint has enjoyed unprecedented levels growth throughout 2013 thanks to its commitment to providing industry-leading levels of choice, value and service.

“We’re taking nothing for granted though and we are currently investing heavily in all areas of the business to ensure that we continue to deliver an experience for the great British motoring public that is second to none for many years to come.”

Chris Eccles, managing director at Bowker Blackburn, in Trident Park, said: “Figures for 2013 were very good.

“In fact, Bowker BMW in Blackburn had a 15 per cent increase on new registrations compared with 2012, and several of our staff have won awards for sales performance.

“For 2014, the last thing we want to do is rest on our laurels. We have several significant new model launches including the new BMW 4 Series Convertible and BMW 2 Series Coupe in March.

“We always set hard performance targets but, with the right blend of service and value, we are always confident we can meet them.”

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “With its best year since a pre-recession 2007, the UK new car market has helped stimulate the country’s economic recovery.”