WHEN Haydon Treasure locks the door of his premises on September 27 it will bring to a close 100 years of motoring history in Cinderford.

Since the turn of the last century Mr Treasure's garage in Station Street has been at the hub of vehicle repairs in the town.

"Repairs were being carried out here for years before it became a repair depot for the Co-op," recalls Mr Treasure who is calling it a day after working there for 37 years.

The site has been sold for development.

Mr Treasure helped maintain the Co-op's fleet of vehicles for four years before buying the garage and launching out in business on his own account in July 1969.

"In those days I worked seven days a week and I was always on call. It was like that for 10 or 12 years," he recalls.

"It's given me a reasonable living but now I think the time is right to call it a day. Cars are changing dramatically; it's all electronics these days and repair costs have gone through the roof," he said.

"When I started on my own it was Morris Minors and A35s. There have been some really big changes and these days cars have become much more complicated to repair."

Mr Treasure said many of his customers had been with him for years.

"They are asking me to carry but its time to call it a day. I'm going to put my feet up for six months and then perhaps consider a part-time job," he said.

And, he adds, it will be nice to have an annual holiday.

"Working for yourself you tend to take a break every two or three years. Now it will be nice to take a break when I like," said Mr Treasure.

"It's been a lot of hard work but I have enjoyed it and I would like to thank all my customers and suppliers who have been very loyal to be over the years," he added.