A family-run garage that has repaired everything from lawnmowers to antique Rolls Royces has shut this week after almost a century of trade.

Richard and Brenda Jackson, the owners of R Jackson Motors in Herne Bay, say the time was right to close the two-generation business and enjoy retirement.

It brings to an end 92 years in the town for a firm that has built up a loyal customer base – including one that has used the garage for more than 70 years.

Mr Jackson, 72, said: “As Brenda and I are both now in our early 70s now, we have decided to retire and enjoy having time for ourselves and walking our dog, Molly.

“I would like to thank our many thousands of very loyal and lovely customers, many of whom have become friends over the years.”

The Bullockstone Road mechanics first opened under the name LH Jackson Motors in 1932, as Mr Jackson’s father, Lewis Harold Jackson, began repairing cars, lorries and agricultural machinery on the lot.

The business expanded into selling vehicles and equipment in 1958, opening workshops and a showroom in Kings Road and adding more repair centres in Beach Street in the mid-1960s.

But after the founder’s death in 1985, Richard and Brenda dissolved the newer parts of the company and took over the running of the Bullockstone site.

“We decided we did not want the responsibility of two very large premises and over 30 staff,” added Mr Jackson.

“We returned to the Bullockstone site in 1987 and R Jackson Motors was born.”

Following in his father’s footsteps, Mr Jackson continued the servicing and repairs of vehicles and expanded the sales and servicing of garden machinery.

Over the past decades, the mechanic says his shop has fixed up everything from lawnmowers to exotic sports cars.

“I had always wanted to work with cars - that was the family trade,” said Mr Jackson.

“My original apprenticeship was in marine engineering, I completed that in the 70s and then went to work for my father.

I think 72 years is possibly a local record as a long-standing customer, and one we are very proud of...

“We’ve been lucky to work on a number of exotic and classic cars, Ferraris, Maseratis, American Muscle Cars, but also boat motors, lawnmower repairs,” continued Mr Jackson.

“We even restored two 1923 and 1928 Rolls Royces - it was amazing to work on cars of that age.”

Mr Jackson singled out one local customer, Keat Farm Caravans, which started its association with the firm through his father in 1953, and continued it until Tuesday, when the garage closed for the final time.

“I think 72 years is possibly a local record as a long-standing customer, and one we are very proud of,” he said.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to chief technician Lee Harrison and agricultural and lawnmower engineer Tom Howland for all their hard work and loyalty working alongside us for so many years.”