A MALTON-based company is celebrating 25 years in business.

Classic and Sportscar Centre marked the anniversary with a dinner for staff and customers from around the world at the National Railway Museum in York.

Set up in 1991 in Huddersfield by Nick Szkiler, the business relocated to Ryedale in 1998.

In 2006, Nick's son James took over the running of the company which was renamed Classic and Sportscar Centre and later expanded to include Malton Coachworks offering classic car restoration and maintenance.

James said: "The family firm has sold more than £60 million of classics worldwide since it's foundation.

"Recent expansion of the business with a bodyshop and garage repair business called Malton Coachworks has seen the staff increase to 26 with group turnover now approaching £6.5 million per annum."

James said that the majority of guests at the anniversary dinner were the company's loyal long-term customers, some of whom had done business with the firm since the early 1990s.

"Special guests included notable celebrities who are also customers of the business, from the political world, Lord and Lady Steel of Aikwood, former head of the Liberal party, attended as did former World Cup winning England Rugby Captain Martin Johnson," he added.

"Customers also travelled from throughout the British Isles and as far away as Italy to be part of the event as well as guest speaker Quentin Willson."

James said: "The celebratory evening was intended as a heartfelt thank you and sign of appreciation to loyal customers - many of whom have become friends and the hard-working staff who have made the business such an enduring success.