South coast automotive giant Hendy Ford has upgraded its service department, with the promotion of Ian Gillson as service manager at its Marchwood branch.

Ian, of Fawley has worked for the Hendy Group for 20 years. Formerly assistant service manager at the Cosham branch, Ian has now been promoted to service manager and takes over the management of the busy service department at the Marchwood Ford dealership, handling service, repairs and parts for all makes of car.

His passion for all things mechanical began earlier in his career, when Ian was proud to be one of the mechanics for Hendy Motorsport.

"Ian has extensive experience in the Hendy Group and now brings his skills to our service department at Marchwood," said Paul Hendy, managing director of the Hendy Group.

"The service division is an important element of the Hendy Group customer offering and we're pleased to recognise Ian's contribution to our ongoing success."

Hendy Group, the first official Ford dealer in the UK, has been based on the south coast for more than 105 years and now boasts sales in excess of £200m.

Employing more than 900 people the group operates franchises for Ford, Mazda and Honda together with van and Iveco sales, car supermarkets and a Power Products division.