A FAMILIAR figure in the world of York motor repairs has hung up his overalls after more than 30 years running his own business in the city.

Mike Townend, who opened his workshop in Hallfield Road, Layerthorpe, in October 1983, has retired after building up a loyal customer following, with the children and even the grandchildren of early clientele bringing their vehicles to him.

Being brought up on a farm at Newton on Derwent provided Mr Townend with the opportunity to dismantle machinery and put it together again, and the day after he left school, in July 1969, he had an interview at JG Allisons Garage, Pocklington. He served an apprenticeship and worked there for almost 12 years. By then he was married with two sons, so started his own car repair business in June 1981, initially travelling around York with his tools and equipment in a Transit van.

"This proved to be a good way to build up a customer base, but after a couple of winters the defining moment came whilst fitting a Cortina clutch in four inches of snow," he said.

After a few months of looking for a workshop to rent he was driving down Hallfield Road when he saw the foundations being laid for what would become the home for his business, only ten minutes walk from the city centre.

Mr Townend said: "As time has gone by and the business has grown, customers have become good friends and in some cases, of those early customers, not only the children but also the grandchildren have become customers.

"One of the worst parts of the job, particularly when you know your customers well, is when you have to tell the customer that the car needs an expensive repair or is beyond repair.

"Thanks to the loyalty of my customers and their willingness to give complimentary reports and reviews when speaking to their friends, I have been kept busy for 35 years.

"I have been supported well over the years by my wife Lynne, the people who have worked for me, either full or part-time, and those who have supplied parts or services."

In 2004 his business was one of three in York to be tested in a nationwide survey to see if potentially lethal defects were detected, a test he passed with flying colours. In 2014 the then York MP, Hugh Bayley, chose Mr Townend to illustrate Small Business Saturday.

Mr Townend, 63, said he would be spending more time with his family, catching up on 30 years of decorating and possibly taking up beekeeping and woodworking.

He said: "On July 1, Gary Cartledge, motor engineer, will take over at Hallfield Road, and I am confident that with his experience and integrity he will be able to offer an excellent service to my former customers."