A WINCHESTER garage known for its long-standing customer service - and its owner's love of owls - has become part of an international network of tyre service providers.

Williams Garage, in Otterbourne, has been run by Peter Whieldon for 45 years and it has recently joined the First Stop network.

The garage will benefit from additional business leads, sales campaign support, marketing assistance, training and greater access to the Bridgestone and Firestone tyre portfolios.

During the ups and downs of owning one of Winchester’s oldest garages, which dates back to the 1940s, Peter has leant on some feathered friends for support, in the form of 50 owls who live adjacent to the Otterbourne business – one of which regularly lives next to his desk.

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Peter, 65, said: “I have had a love for birds of prey all my life and I keep them near to me, as they give me a lot of happiness. They act as therapy for me, so when work is difficult, I can pop out of my office to see them and clear my head.

“One little owl currently lives in the office with me, which is probably quite unusual for most business owners, but I have always been one to do things my own way!”

By joining First Stop, Peter is hoping to increase tyre sales and push that side of the business, something he believes will be possible thanks to the access he now has to the premium Bridgestone range via the network.

He added: “I really like the First Stop concept and was attracted to become a member because they allow me to retain my own identity and offer round-the-clock support. Business is going well and we’re looking forward to offering more tyre options.”

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First Stop’s regional business consultant Charlie Harraway said: “Peter is a legend and a much-loved character in Winchester. So many people in the city know and respect him, so to attract him to our First Stop network is something that we’re all extremely proud of.

“We have never come across a garage with an owl before and can only say that we swooped at the opportunity to work with Peter!

“We share the same values and have the same passion to offer a brilliant automotive service to motorists. Williams Garage is a core part of the community and we look forward to assisting Peter and the team in the future, to drive the business forward.”