A FAMILY coach firm which dates back to 1935 has ceased trading, with the loss of all 25 jobs.

John Smith & Sons Ltd, based at Dalton, near Thirsk, provided local and school bus services and executive coach hire around North Yorkshire, with a 20-strong fleet of coaches and buses.

A spokeswoman said that as a result of a fiercely competitive market, together with growing regulatory pressures, the business had become financially unviable.

“All 25 staff have been made redundant and a creditors’ meeting is scheduled for February 13 to formally begin the liquidation process. The directors have instructed Mike Jenkins and David Broadbent of Begbies Traynor to assist with the winding up of the company.”

Director John Smith said the decision to shut down the business had been very hard to make, as it was ‘all we known all our lives, as boys and men,’ and he wanted to thank all of the team.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of drivers and maintenance staff.,” he said. “The day we had to tell everyone was soul destroying and the hardest thing any of us have had to do.”