SALES and support staff at Hendy Group car dealerships in Brighton have been honoured for their contribution to a record year at the company’s annual sales awards.

The event was hosted by sports presenter Colin Murray.

Hendy chief executive Paul Hendy paid tribute to the award winners and said he was extremely proud of the whole Hendy team and the contribution everyone makes to the success of the company.

Last year Hendy, which also has dealerships in Dorset, Hampshire, Surrey and Kent, sold more than 38,900 vehicles.

It also invested heavily in its network with eight new facilities, five upgraded showrooms and the recruitment of 279 new staff taking the total to more than 1,000 members of staff.

Aaron Neen was named Renault/Dacia sales executive of the year and David Carr was named SEAT/Suzuki sales executive of the year at the group awards ceremony.

Staff from Brighton were also among group staff in the Club 200 for sales staff who sold in excess of 200 cars in 2017.

The key Hall of Fame award was presented to Richard Reed who joined the company in 1995.

Paul Hendy said that Richard has been instrumental in the success of the group and has worked in sales and at group level.

Richard said he was thrilled to win the award.

He said: “This is the biggest honour I will ever receive in my life.

“I have had so much fun working at Hendy and this is just fantastic.”