BOSSES behind plans to create new motorway services have secured a £4m financial package to support the development.

Exelby Services has been backed by HSBC to build a truck-stop and petrol station on the A1 at Leeming, in North Yorkshire.

Work is being carried out by Clugston Construction, which has offices in Hebburn, South Tyneside, and will create 70 jobs, with a further 15 posts supported when the services open in September.

Exelby Services was founded in 1976 by current chief executive Michael Exelby’s father, Ron, and pioneered fuel bunkering, a contract diesel refuelling system allowing haulage companies to make large savings on diesel costs.

It operates from two sites on the A19 south of Teesside.

The company employs 60 people and expects its £38m turnover to increase by 30 per cent thanks to the new site.

Michael Exelby said: “This new facility is vital for this stretch of the A1M because service areas and HGV parking spaces have been lost due to the motorway upgrade.”

Chris Bennett, HSBC senior corporate manager, added: “The passion shown in bringing this project to fruition is testament to the strength and ambition of the management team.”