Hi-Q’s founder Jack Blacklock has died.

Blacklock, who was 87, founded Tyre Services in 1949, starting the company from premises in Denton Holme, Carlisle.

Tyre Services Newcastle and Tyre Services Hexham followed in the 1950s and then in the 1960s Kirkcaldy, Northallerton, Falkirk, Greenock, Edinburgh and Gallowgate also joined the expanding firm. In the years that followed, further depots were opened including Workington, Hamilton, Dundee and Hartlepool until in 1971, the group consisted of 30 depots.

Hi-Q’s retail director, Chris Kisby began his Goodyear career working in the Carlisle territory alongside some of the original Jack Blacklock team. He said: “Jack has left behind quite a legacy. It was his hard work and determination to succeed that’s created the Hi-Q that exists today.

“He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him at Hi-Q and Goodyear Dunlop.” He leaves behind a daughter, son-in-law and grand-daughter.