A NORTH Yorkshire car dealership is giving its stores a makeover.

Harrogate motor retailer the Nidd Vale Group has refurbished its showrooms in the town.

The company has spent £200,000 upgrading the Saab showroom and offices on Nidd Vale Corner in Harrogate. And recent external development work has created space for an extra 35 used cars on the site.

The firm's new Mazda franchise is to get a £150,000 renovation, which will see an enlarged showroom and updated customer areas.

Nidd Vale has also recently spent £100,000 on an extra storage site at Follifoot, near Harrogate. Sandbeck Motors in Wetherby, which has been part of the Nidd Vale Group since 1997 is benefiting from a £150,000 refurbishment programme. A larger entrance is being created and the exterior will also feature Vauxhall_s new red, white and silver corporate

identity.

The interior is also being transformed with larger offices, modern lighting and enhanced customer reception areas.

The name of the business is being changed to Nidd Vale Wetherby.

Colin Hainstock, chairman and managing director of Nidd Vale, said: "We have recently committed more than £600,000 to improving key aspects of the business. In particular, I am confident that our customers will really appreciate the modern new showrooms."

Updated: 10:12 Tuesday, April 20, 2004