A family business in Kettlewell will change hands on Monday after 66 years of serving the Upper Wharfedale community.

Brothers Bill and Mick Wilkinson will hand over the keys to Kettlewell Garage to new owner Graham Whitaker.

Mr Whitaker, who lives in Kilnsey, will work with his son, Richard, to maintain the tradition of providing a comprehensive repair and maintenance service as well as being the only petrol and diesel stockist between Grassington and Aysgarth.

The Wilkinson brothers took over the garage after their father, Dick, died. All three were top flight factory supported motor cycle trials riders.

Dick rode for the Panther company at Cleckheaton, Bill made trials history by winning the Blue Riband British Experts Trial with learner plates adorning his machine and brother Mick was brilliant on two wheels and even better on three wheels. His sidecar exploits are legendary.

Mick’s wife Dorothy also paid a major part as minibus driver on the school runs to Halton Gill and Arncliffe.

Richard will run the garage with a fully trained automotive engineer and the garage will be open seven days a week.