GARAGE group Sanderson Bramall has reported buoyant trading.

The firm, which owns Ford and Mercedes dealerships in Blackburn, Burnley and Rishton said profits for the first quarter of the year were ahead of last year.

"The change in new car vehicle registration to March and September had an effect of creating a strong market in March," said Tony Bramall, chairman of the Harrogate based group.

"This more than made up for the first two months of the year which were slower due to the impending change."

And Mr Bramall said provided current market confidence help up the firm expected to return satisfactory profit figures for the first half of the hear.

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