A Sussex company with links to the early days of motoring has been named the best vehicle repair shop in the South.

Vye's can trace its roots back to before the First World War when George Vye ran a panel beating business.

As the motor car became more popular, the company turned to making radiators for Napier cars and opened a repair workshop in central Brighton. The company also made ports for Bentley.

In 1937 the firm moved to Old Shoreham Road, Hove, moving again in 1946 to its present site in Carlton Terrace, Portslade.

It was under Jack Vye, 84, the founder's grandson and now chairman, together with a loyal staff, that the company became an award-winning business.

Many of the staff have spent their working lives at Vye's and several have been with the firm for more than 30 years.

Managing director Graham Roberts said: "This continuity and dedication shows itself in the quality of repairs."

Based solely on customer satisfaction reports, the company was named as Repair Shop of the Year by the Co-op Insurance Society (CIS).

Mr Vye, who keeps an impressive file of letters from satisfied customers on his desk, said: "This is an award everyone at Vye's can be proud of.

"Our success is built on team effort and I know every member of the team gives their best.

"Our customers expect and receive the finest in terms of service and attention, which gives me as much satisfaction as it gives them.

"Since 1946 many changes have taken place.

"The sheer volume of cars on the road now and the complexity of repairing modern cars has meant we have needed to recruit the highest calibre of staff and thank goodness we've got them.

"It hasn't all been easy.

During the recession we went through a difficult patch but we were never prepared to compromise on quality and it paid off.

"A good reputation is hard to come by and even harder to maintain but people come from across the south of England, and sometimes further afield, to have their cars repaired at Vye's. We must be doing something right.

"The award from the Coop is just the icing on the cake."

Mr Vye said he was fortunate enough to be born under a lucky star.

"Life's been good to me I must admit.

"I decided years ago I wasn't going to suffer from ulcers or heart attacks and I've always enjoyed working.

I think people should enjoy their work.

"Vye's is in good hands with Graham Roberts and my grandson Tim as joint managing directors.

"I can see a good future for the business."