AFTER dedicating a lifetime of work to Elkins of Westbury, supervisor Maurice Ingram last Friday.

Mr Ingram's career with the family-run motor dealers began when he left school in 1953, aged 16.

As well as cars, Elkins used to repair radios, tractors and bikes and erect television aerials.

Mr Ingram said: "They would turn their hand to anything and I worked in the workshop until 16 years ago."

During his 48-year career, Mr Ingram has worked for three generations of the Elkins' family.

He started under Stanley Elkins, and then the business was taken over by his son Michael. Michael's sons Peter and Andrew now own it.

After leaving the workshop, Mr Ingram worked in admin, and could turn his hand to anything from service manager to warranties.

He said: "I've become part of the business over the years and it has been nice being a big cog in a small wheel. I've always had a good relationship with the customers and I've had some wonderful tributes."

Staff and customers showered Mr Ingram with gifts on Friday and he was presented with tickets for a well-deserved holiday to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

He said: "It was a wonderful surprise. I spent some time over there when I was in the army.

"You could have knocked me down with a feather when I found out I was going back."

The Elkins brothers were sad to see Mr Ingram leave, as it marked the end of an era.

Peter said: "I've known him since I was crawling. The place will be different now, as he is a well-known friendly face of Elkins Ford."