Staff members Ken Wilkins and Dave Vowles at Bridgwater Ford have retired after serving their local Ford owners for a total of 99 years.

Wilkins, a parts supervisor, started at White Brothers 50 years ago this month while service advisor Dave Vowles joined Valley Motors in Taunton as a technician 49 years ago and two years before it became part of White Brothers.

The firm eventually became part of Foray Motor Group, which operates 10 Ford outlets in the West Country.

Both received engraved gold watches to mark their long service to the area’s Ford owners.

Wilkins' presentation was conducted by Foray Group parts director Howard Jenkins in the driver’s seat of a Model T Ford in the Bridgwater showroom.

Kevin Graves, Foray Motor Group service director, presented Vowles with a watch to mark his retirement.

Foray managing director Chris Yoxon said the Group was lucky to have inherited some very special staff along the way.

“The good thing is all these people are happy to pass on their knowledge and standards to the next generation, which can only be of benefit to future customers,” Yoxon added. “Both Ken and Dave have given Foray a real legacy.”