AFTER more than 50 years in the motor trade Geoff Catlow is gearing up to enjoy his retirement.

The 76-year-old has spent the last 30 years at Bleasdales, in Accrington Road, Blackburn, with his two sons, but will bow out later this month.

Peter, 45, and Mike, 49, along with five other members of staff will all begin new jobs after the sale of the site in Accrington Road is finalised.

Bleasdales was founded as an Austin Rover franchise in 1973 by Tom Bleasdale who left after seven years. It was the first garage in Blackburn to introduce a coin and note-operated petrol pump, in the late 1970s.

Over the years the garage has specialised in new and used Toyota, Hyundai and currently Daihatsu and also provides full service facilities and loan cars.

Peter said: "Over the years we have had an extremely loyal staff and there has been tremendous loyalty from customers who have come back to the business for many years too.

"We have run the garage with old fashioned values and believe if you look after people you will have customers for life.

"Someone might come in for a light bulb fitting and come back for a new car later.

"But I think the industry has changed a lot over the years and people are now going to one garage for a car then somewhere else for servicing. For the last ten years Mike and I have run the day to day business and the time has come that our dad wants to retire.

"He has the majority share in the business so Mike and I decided it was a good time to stand back and assess everything. We have decided to pursue other things and are looking forward to exciting new careers doing something else."

Mike added: "My dad has certainly enjoyed his time here and there are a lot of good memories for everyone.

"Over the years the business has changed beyond recognition.

"I remember 30 years ago, before I worked here, I used to come in and the showroom had no heating and the floor was just plain concrete.

"There were dinghies lying around because Tom Bleasdale loved his boats. It's a world away from how things are done now."

For Geoff the future will involve spending additional time with wife Margaret, improving his golf handicap and working in their garden.