Richard Jackson, chairman of Yorkshire independent retailer Nidd Vale Group, has been appointed chairman of the northern committee for the National Franchised Dealers Association.

The nothern area has more than 1,500 members out of a national association membership of 4,500 dealers.

John Bond-Smith, RMI president, said: "Richard has been a northern committee member for many years and his experience of the motor industry - at both regional and national levels - will prove of great value."

Nidd Vale has the Vauxhall franchises for Harrogate and Wetherby, the Saab franchise for Harrogate and Mercedes-Benz for Grimsby and North Lincolnshire, trading as Jackson Alexandra.