THE man who has been the “face” of South Street Motors in Wellington for three decades has walked out the door for the last time.

Andrew Webber, 68, who was service advisor and front of house for the company, has retired.

Upon his retirement, the company managing director described him as a “dedicated, incredibly loyal colleague who will be greatly missed by everyone.”

Andrew started working at South Street Motors in October 1994, initially as a technician in the workshop but he moved into the office side of the business about three years later. Since then he has been the face customers see every time they take their vehicle in for repair.

Today managing director Jon a'Court-Wills said: "Andrew is a one-off. I can hardly remember him taking a day off. He has been a truly dedicated employee.”

Andrew said taking retirement, even at the age of 68, was a tough decision.

“People sometimes tell me that if you cut me in half you’ll see ‘South Street Motors’ written inside! I really have loved my 30 years here.”

He plans to spend his retirement indulging his interests in DIY and laser cutting and spending more time with his wife Carolyn, his two children and four grandchildren.

Established in 1976, the South Street Motors team pride themselves on being the area’s premier independent repairer. They say this has been achieved by focusing on customer care, satisfaction and quality workmanship using the latest equipment and technology. In that time the company has accumulated a wide customer base encompassing private motorists, business, schools and fleet, most of whom were introduced by recommendation.

The new service advisor at South Street Motors is Lisa Burrows, who has worked for many years in the motor trade.