AN HISTORIC Padiham fuel firm has been bought by a Bury-based company.

Crown Oil has taken over at the helm of Samuel Cooke and said it will keep the firm’s name trading.

Matt Greensmith, the managing director of Crown Oil, said: “We will continue to trade under the Samuel Cooke name and we can assure existing customers a flawless continuity of service.

“The Crown and Cooke businesses have many similarities, both being long established, independent and family owned firms that have built sound reputations based on high and consistent levels of service.”

The company has also employed a small number of employees made redundant last week.

And bosses say they hope to offer other job opportunities in coming months.

Additional staff will be based at Crown’s main depot and administrative headquarters, The Oil Centre adjoining the M66 in Bury.

Crown Oil general manager, Mark Andrews, said: “Crown has grown significantly in recent years and this is a perfect opportunity for us to reinforce our position as the region’s largest independent fuel and lubricants supplier.

“We will offer same day or next day emergency deliveries where required with programmed fuel delivery for larger customers.”