ONE of the largest car and van parts supply centres in the country is set to be opened in the region by motor retail group Reg Vardy.

In partnership with car makers Renault, Nissan, Rover, Fiat and Alfa Romeo, the company is merging its parts' franchise operations into the Reg Vardy Parts Solution business to be housed under one roof on the Rainton Bridge industrial estate near Durham.

The new centre will hold a stock of more than £500,000.

From the opening day of August 5 a fleet of 11 satellite-tracked vans will start delivering vehicle parts up to four times a day to crash repair centers, independent garages, and other franchised outlets, in an area stretching from Northumberland to North Yorkshire.

John Reay, newly appointed as Reg Vardy's market area parts manager, said: "We are determined to be the best in the industry bar none. To be the best has required a major investment, but we are confident of success."

Most of the staff will be redeployed from the company's existing dealerships.

Reg Vardy's Vauxhall franchise parts' business in the region will continue to be run separately from Shiremoor and Peterlee.