HSBC has helped a family-run car garage near Winchester get back on its feet after a serious fire destroyed its premises in 2015.

Williams Garage in Otterbourne has used HSBC finance to build a new 7,300 sq ft workshop, replacing two temporary units that were erected to keep the garage operating while the firm recovered from the blaze.

The new workshop, which is a third larger than the firm’s original premises, will be run by 10 engineers who perform MOTs, services and body repairs. A further 2,700 sq ft of office space has also been built adjacent to the workshop, which will accommodate seven members of office staff.

Father and son Ted and Peter Whieldon have been in business together for 38 years. The duo began to lease Williams Garage in 1990 and later purchased the premises in 1994.

Peter Whieldon said: “Relaunching our garage after the devastating fire in 2015 feels like a huge achievement and something that our HSBC relationship manager, Stephen Edwards, has supported us with every step of the way. We’re excited to be servicing the local community from our new premises and hope to continue to grow as a business."

Jane Fancy, HSBC’s area director, said: “Peter and his father Ted have worked incredibly hard to keep Williams Garage running in the last three years and we’re delighted to have helped them rebuild a new workshop and officially relaunch the business. We’re confident the garage will remain an important part of the community for many years to come.”