Stamford Mazda approved repairer Sycamore is preparing to say farewell to long-serving service adviser Mel Philips at the end of the month.

Philips has had a motor industry career spanning almost five decades, with the last 15 years spent at Sycamores.

He was recently presented with Mazda's national Dealership Recognition Award which acknowledges excellent customer service from staff who've gone the extra mile.

“We, along with many of our customers, shall be very sorry to see Mel go” said group marketing manager Benjamin Grant.

Philips started his career in 1965 as an apprentice with Ford dealership ‘Motors & Tractors’ in Stamford where he spent 15 years climbing the ranks in the industry, eventually becoming Foreman at Marshalls.

An opportunity later arose through an acquaintance and he took the role of Service Manager at Aston in Melton Mowbray.

In 1999 he joined Sycamores Stamford and in 2011 saw the dealership became part of The Donalds Group, the East Anglian multi-franchise car dealer group.

Service manager Wayne Cunnington added: “The enthusiasm and life that is brought to work day-in-day-out by Mel is beyond any expectation, no matter what time of day, the customer always comes first.  All of Melvin’s customers glide in and out of the showroom like a breath of fresh air and most of them are on first name terms with him.

“Service with a smile is a lesson we should all learn from Mel.”