A MAN will this week ask his bosses whether they are going to accept his offer of £350,000 to prevent the garage he runs being sold.

Andy Adamson, 44, made the offer to Save Retail to prevent Orchard Filling Station, at Eaglescliffe, falling into the hands of developers who want to build 31 apartments on the site. But he has also been told that Tesco has shown interest in the garage and may have topped his offer.

"I am going to get in touch with them this week and ask them what is going on because I can't hang around for ever," said 44-year-old Mr Adamson, who has had to remortgage his house to raise the cash with help from a business partner.

"Rumour has it that Tesco is interested, which would make sense," he said.

Mr Adamson and his wife, Julie, have been overwhelmed by public support and have more than 3,000 names on a petition to save the filling stating.

"We are going to be the nearest one for miles around because the Texaco garage in Yarm Road is closing," he said.

"The nearest one will be at Preston Farm, which is about four miles away, so that should give us more ammunition in keeping this place open."

Ken Strain, landlord of The Eagle public house, which is near the garage, quashed rumours that the anonymous developers were hoping to demolish the pub to make for the flats.

Tesco declined to comment on whether they have made an offer for the filling station.