A WELL-KNOWN Darlington taxi business has been sold.

Station Taxis has been bought by Taxibank Taxis (UK), the UK's first national taxi organisation.

Husband and wife team David and Hilda Armstrong decided to sell the business in preparation for retirement.

Taxibank Taxis heard about their plans and approached the couple a few weeks ago.

The company offers a unique central taxi booking service, where customers can call a national control room to book a cab in their area.

The company co-ordinates more than 25,000 cars across the country.

Mr and Mrs Armstrong will remain at the firm to ensure a smooth hand-over to Taxibank Taxis in the coming weeks.

The couple, who bought the business in 1972, employ 30 drivers and controllers from their portable cabin on Darlington railway station.

Mr Armstrong, who has driven the company's wedding car for hundreds of Darlington brides over the years, plans to continue with this part of the business during his semi-retirement.

Mrs Armstrong said the buy-out would lead to investment from the national company.

She said: "Taxibank are looking to move the business forward by investing in new cars, new offices and a computerised booking system.

"However, the drivers will be the same uniformed, polite and courteous staff we have always employed."

Taxibank are already planning to move the control centre on to the main station concourse, where station operator GNER would prefer it to be located.

Taxibank Taxis (UK) managing director, Quentin Fulljames-Curtis said: "We are looking forward to working with the team at Station Taxis and continuing to offer the excellent levels of service for which Station Taxis are known.