THE UK's fifth largest motor retailer has awarded a national title to North Yorkshire-based parts manager Steve Lee.

Mr Lee, who works at Bristol Street Motors Vauxhall garage in Knaresborough, was named ‘Parts Manager of the Year’ at Vertu Motors’ annual management awards.

Vertu Motors, which owns Bristol Street Motors, Macklin Motors, Farnell Land Rover, Vertu Volkswagen and Vertu Honda, honours talented managers from across the group at its annual CEO Awards dinner, hosted by chief executive Robert Forrester.

Mr Lee began managing the parts department at the Grimbald Craig Road site after the dealership was acquired by Bristol Street Motors in late 2012.

His success has also been recognised by Vauxhall; his year-on-year increase in sales has secured him a place in the final of the nationwide Vauxhall Trade Cup, after winning rounds one and three of the regional competition.

Mr Forrester said: "When Steve took over at Knaresborough Vauxhall he was tasked with getting the dealership’s parts department back on track and has tackled this challenge head-on.

"His get-up-and-go attitude has been a key part of that transformation. He has developed his own initiatives to drive sales and forged important relationships with key clients and suppliers."