Inverness-based franchised dealer Ness Motors has sold its thousandth Dacia car 19 months since the value brand's introduction.

It makes it the highest selling retailer in the Dacia UK network.

The buyers of their 1,00th Dacia, Linda and John Brotherstone, were given champagne and a £1,000 donation to their chosen charity, Help for Heroes.

The purchase was the third Dacia for the Brotherston family – this new Sandero Stepway for their daughter joins the existing Duster and Sandero Stepway that are driven by Linda and John.

Ness Motors operates three Dacia dealerships – Inverness, Elgin and Perth – said it now shifts one in every 25 Dacias sold in the UK.

Scott Lauder, chairman, Ness Motors Inverness, said: “They do everything they want in a car but cost a lot less than other options. They like the straightforward approach of function over frivolity."

Lauder added: “Living in the north of Scotland, winter weather can be unpredictable so the 4x4 Duster provides peace of mind. They were so impressed by the quality that they decided the Sandero Stepway would make an ideal second car, and also the right choice for a new car for their daughter.”