A WINCHESTER car company has celebrated a milestone surrounded by its many long-standing customers.

Family, friends and clients gathered for a slice of cake and a glass of fizz to mark 50 years for the Winchester Motor Company.

The family-run business, which was founded by ex-Fleet Air Arm fighter Robert Mills-Goodlet and his wife Pam, was originally Central Volkswagen Ltd before it took on Skoda in late 2003.

And to celebrate their good fortune they welcomed colleagues and guests – both past and present – for an evening of fun entertainment, including a cheeky game of roulette.

Though they only used toy money sales manager Des Deane said everyone had a jolly good laugh.

“It was very successful,” he said. “It was just a celebration with our customers – some of whom are really long-standing.”

One guests in particular, Sarah Hillyar, has been buying cars from the company for over 20 years.

Mr Deane, who himself has been with the company for nearly 25 years, added: “I can remember selling her a car in 1991; that’s how long-ago she’s been dealing with us.”

The company remains an authorised repairer for Volkswagen cars which equates to roughly 40 per cent of the total workshop business.

Over the last four years the Skoda brand’s growth has risen by 70 per cent in the market. The company took home the Skoda Retailer of the Year Award in 2008, which is has been nominated for six out of the last seven years.

Since that time they’ve both been nominated for a number of awards – most recently the South Coast Growth Business of the Year and The Most Improved Retailed of the Year Awards. They’ve also been included in the London Stock Exchange’s report of 1,000 companies to inspire Britain in 2015.