IN 40 years in the motor trade, Bill Greenwell has done his bit to keep Ford production lines rolling by selling a car a day.

From the 1960s Anglia to the present-day Ka, the 59-year-old has clinched 12,000 deals for his bosses at Elliotts Motors, in Bishop Auckland.

And even after four decades, Mr Greenwell, who retired yesterday, can remember his first transaction on his first day at work, to a customer from Newton Aycliffe.

His last car, a Fiesta, went on Tuesday to the son of a customer who has been a regular since 1968.

Mr Greenwell, who lives in Escomb with his wife, Gillian, said: "I have stayed here because of the support and friendship I have had from the Elliott family.

"We have been friends as well as colleagues. It is that sort of company."

Mr Greenwell first worked for the company in Cockton Hill, where Joe Elliott established the business in 1945.

Mr Greenwell worked for Mr Elliott's sons, Bill and the present managing director Joe, as the business expanded to its site in Tindale Crescent.

Joe Elliott said: "Bill Greenwell has been a wonderful friend and colleague. He is a superb salesman."